Every parent knows the important of routines. Routines organize the way we wake up, eat, work, study, play and get set for bed. They help parents, kids and families control the chaos of any given day.
Routines are especially important as summer comes to a close and we head back to school this season. Here are some ways you can get set for success:
Morning Routines
Set an Alarm and Stick to It (Your Body Will Thank You). Waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock. It makes the morning more enjoyable. Make sure you allow enough time to get yourself together—dressed, fed and out the door with everything you need for a great day at school.
Stretch Out. You know how good it feels to stretch your arms over your head (along with a yawn) at the start of the day? It gets your blood flowing and spices up your sleepy muscles. Add a few more moves to your stretching routine (lean into a toe touch or butterfly stretch) to start your day more alert.
Grab Breakfast. Fuel your body with some nutrients every morning to boost energy and concentration. Balance it out with protein (eggs, yogurt), complex carbs (whole-wheat toast, oatmeal) and fruits (bananas or berries).
Pack Your Gear. Make sure you have everything you need before you leave the house—lunchbox, water bottle, homework, permission slips, extra clothes (including your karate uniform!) and anything else that will make for a smooth school day. Set yourself up for success by packing the night before, and double check your bags before you head for the door.
BONUS: Be Mindful. Spend a few minutes to set a positive and focused mindset for the day. Think of what you want to accomplish and how you’ll positively impact the day of the people around you. Deep breathing exercises and/or guided mediation (including with the help of a simple video or app) can help.
After-School Routines
Set up a Distraction-Free Zone. Create a dedicated space for after school activities like homework; organization of papers, assignments, etc.; and discussion (“How was your day? Anything special? What do we need to bring back to school tomorrow?”). Make sure you don’t have noisy distractions like phones or screens to make the most of this time.
Dedicate Some Time for Homework. Block out a dedicated time (30 minutes to an hour) after school each day to the activities above, including homework and study. Break up your school tasks into manageable chunks, with short breaks in between (but no TV or TikTok—it’s too easy to let time slip away!).
Stay Fueled. Give your brain and body the boost they need with healthy after school snacks like apple slices, trail mix or veggie slices.
Join Some Activities After School. After school activities like chess or math or reading clubs really keep your mind stimulated after the final bell. Sports do the same for your body. Of course, martial arts and black belt discipline combine the best of both worlds and make for a great after-school routine for kids.
Evening Routines
Get Together for Dinner. Shared meals make for happy, healthy families. You can prepare the meal together, talk together over dinner, and clean up together as a team.
Wind Down. Find activities that help your family slow down after a busy day and help the mind and body relax. This could be reading a book, doing a puzzle, or anything else that puts you at ease. Try to steer clear of the screens, though—time melts away and you might be up way past bedtime!
Get a Head Start on Tomorrow. Like we noted above, it’s important to get everything set up and ready for the next day. Stuff those back packs, set out tomorrow’s clothes and double-check those alarms!
Conclusion
Use this as a checklist for a successful school day. Print it out and make checks throughout the week as you fulfill each routine. The black belt journey is based on a foundation of solid routines that help kids stay on track to make incredible strides, not just in karate but at home and school, too. Start here for a free lesson.
