Your Child’s Routine Very Important This School Year

This year will again provide a challenge for both parents and children with some returning to the classroom and others facing virtual or hybrid mix experts tell WIVB-TV keeping a routine can help them better navigate the changes.

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Schedules can help your child feel a sense of normalcy in a school year that this year is anything but.

“It’s uncharted territory. We have never ever seen anything like this,” said licensed clinical social worker Peggy Barrett.  “No one knows what to expect.”

The different options are proving a challenge for parents and children alike, and the change can be unnerving.

Experts stress that having a routine for your child will help the transition.

“The most important thing is that a routine develops trust,” said Barrett. “For example as a child I’m going to get up, get dressed have my cereal.”

“Create a calendar in your home that kids and parents can look at,” she said. “And they know that even if I’m not in school five days, I have five days worth of responsibilities.”

Similar to when you are working from home, create a designated spot for kids to do their schoolwork, so they associate it with learning.  Someplace away from the ordinary home distractions.

Mental Health Advocates of Western New York is offering support groups for parents and students who are facing challenges. More information can be found here.