Even though it's almost the same routine every day I've accepted that sometimes my kids just can't remember what to do next! It calmly reminds them what they're supposed to be doing or what's next when they get distracted (instead of me shouting ‘have you brushed your teeth?!?'). It helps our kids with their ability to order tasks (apparently you can't expect kids to be able to do this consistently until they're about 8 years old). I know for myself that I don't enjoy unexpected deviations from what I've planned!Īt the moment, having a visual schedule that includes our daily tasks (eg brushing teeth), household chores (eg setting the table) and new routines (eg daily exercise, board games, screen time) have made life a bit smoother in a time of massive uncertainty and change. It can be really overwhelming or confusing for a child if every day looks different and they don't know what to expect.
I am a very routine-based and structured person so I have always been a firm believer that routine and structure provides kids with a sense of calmness and security. While visual schedules are commonly used in a therapy setting (read: benefits of a visual schedule and visual schedules: a practical guide for families), I think they're useful for ALL kids, particularly in a time of uncertainty and change. This might take some experimentation each household is different and for many, it might be the first time they spend an extended period of time with roommates or family.'Įven before we started working and learning from home we have been using a daily visual schedule. We have planned time for prayer, worship, work, eating and fun. At the monastery, we wake up at the same time every day and get fully dressed (no pyjamas). Now that you are stuck at home, create a schedule for yourself and your family. These things give you a sense of consistency and rhythm. ‘Your normal day-to-day lives have structure imposed on them from the outside you have to catch the train at a certain time to go to work, you have school recess at the same time every day. I love this advice from a nun who's been social distancing for 29 years. Recently I've read so many tips about how to work from home, how to homeschool and/or how to deal with life in isolation/quarantine/lockdown.Īll of them advise that one of the keys to keeping family harmony, productivity and personal mental health high is to implement a structured, but flexible, routine.
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