School has been back in session for a while now (at least a week even for the late starting districts), which means it's a good time to evaluate, tweak, or develop the routine that structures school days.

You need to give particular attention to three times a day: wake up to leaving for school; the immediate after school time; and, the time just before bed. You should have a basic routine for what gets done at each time of day. Having a basic routine for each of these busy periods can help calm the confusion and make sure nothing gets forgotten. It might even be helpful to right each routine on a poster or a white board — at least until it becomes second nature.

So, what might a school day routine look like?

Morning:

• Make bed
• Get dressed
• Eat breakfast
• Brush teeth
• Pack lunch
• Walk dog
• Go to school

After school:

• Change into play clothes
• Hang school clothes or place in laundry
• Healthy snack
• Empty backpack
• Place homework materials on desk
• Put any announcements or papers to be signed in the appropriate place
• Walk dog
• Do pre-dinner chores
• Start homework

Before bed:

• Bathe
• Lay out clothes for next day
• Repack backpack with anything needed for the next day (signed papers, assignments, gym clothes, etc.)
• Brush teeth
• Reading or story time
• Sleep

Obviously, this routine can be customized based on yor particular needs. It might be combined with a chore list or practice schedules.

No routine can be used without exception, but having a basic plan for things you do each day can make life so much easier.