As if that were not enough to return from vacation, we have to face going back to school at the same time almost suddenly. Early mornings, shopping, races and a lot of dark circles are common in the first weeks of September. But getting the little ones back to daily routines doesn't have to be uphill. The keys are perseverance, patience and realistic goals.
More flies are caught with honey than with gall. It is a saying that is older than Tutankhamun, but it contains an undeniable truth: if we want someone to do something, we have a better chance of getting it if we are kind.
In the case of going back to school and to the routine, the first thing we have to do is be patient. If we think that the first day everything will go well, that they will go to bed on time and that getting them out of bed will be a piece of cake, we are setting ourselves up —and the little ones even more so— to the most resounding failure.
He understands that changing three months of fun and relaxed hours is not going to happen from one day to the next. But, above all, he recognizes the merit of making the effort to recover the routine. Even if they protest.
Validating what they feel, especially if they are nervous, anxious or afraid of going back to school, is essential for them to gain confidence and understand that we are on their side. Accompanying them in this process with empathy and affection will make everything easier.
This is closely related to patience. Pretending that the first day everything goes well and the first is not real. Going back to school can generate stress, both in the smallest and in adolescents. Pushing them with unrealistic goals will only add fuel to the fire.
Set goals that are achievable and do not depend on external factors. For example, they may go to bed on time, but if they can't get to sleep well, we can't get frustrated because they have a hard time getting up in the morning.
Advance and organize. Do not leave everything for the last moment. Having everything prepared in time helps to avoid anxiety.
We leave you some tools to recover the routine that can be useful:
