Transitioning Into Fall Routines

Fall is nearly here, public and private schools are back in session, and transitioning Kidspace children are growing accustomed to their new classrooms, teachers, and classmates. Families are in transition too. We've come through one of the sunniest Seattle summers ever and now are getting into the rhythms and routines of a busier season. Changes can bring a bit of disequilibrium to anyone until they get used to their new situation. When several family members in a household are experiencing changes at the same time, daily life holds more stresses and challenges.

This is especially apparent at the end of the day, and with good reason. Parents often have to rush through unpredictable traffic to pick up children after a full day of work. Most family members are physically tired and hungry. Adult patience and a sense of humor quickly ebb away just at the same time children's abilities to be cheerful or cooperative deplete and their need for undivided parental attention becomes acute. All this while parents are trying to prepare dinner and create a pleasant time around the table. Many American families have given up on family dinners together, presumably because of how challenging this mealtime has become.

Having realistic expectations is important. It might be most helpful to think through the routines at the end of the day in terms of  "what works" for our particular family.What changes are we going through and what needs must be met? What routines are working for us, which are not? Would it help to pare down or cull out some afternoon or evening activities? Would it help to add something to our routine, like a family walk around the block after dinner? Are we each able to get the everyday basics of enough sleep, good nutrition, physical activity, and some down-time to relax and reflect? Is there some white space on the page, some margins in the daily schedule that leave room for breathing, spontaneity, listening to each other?

What routines and ideas is your family finding most helpful for the end of the day and dinner time? Please share with us what works for you when transitions are occurring, and what you wish worked better. We would love to get everyone's ideas! Please post your routines and ideas in the comment box.