With winter break around the corner, many parents may be wondering how to keep strong routines with their scholars so the transition back to school is smooth.
Here are five tips on how to keep routines with your scholars while also allowing space for holiday celebrations:
- Stick to your morning and evening routines as much as you can. There may be nights where your scholars stay up a bit later and sleep in a bit in the mornings. Even with these changes, see if you can incorporate a few of the school day routines into the winter break schedule.
- Allow space for movement. Scholars of all ages thrive when they have a chance to move their body. Incorporate activities like getting outside for a walk, yoga, or even a trip to NAZ Partner V3 Sports for swimming. Physical activity is great for keeping our moods regulated!
- Let scholars know what to expect. Predictability is one way to help your scholars feel safe and secure. If you can give them a preview of what winter break will look like, they can prepare for those changes. Bonus tip: Ask your scholar for input on some of the activities during break.
- Limit screen time. It can be difficult to monitor screen time when your scholars are home for extended periods of time. Limiting screen time can encourage space for other creative activities your scholar may want to do and increase opportunities for you to spend quality time with them as well!
- Find time for learning. Dr. Anne Gearity has a saying: “Learning makes us feel better.” We all thrive when we have opportunities to learn. This could be learning through new experiences (check out the outdoor activities at Theo Wirth Park) or playing an educational game at home.
Winter break is an exciting time to recharge for 2025, and it can offer plenty of opportunities to reset yourself and your scholar(s) for the second half of the school year. Enjoy the time with family and friends, refresh those school routines, and hit the ground running in January!