To ease back-to-school jitters, pediatric physician's assistant Amy Laird-Payne recommends establishing a good morning routine.
Routines create predictability and familiarity and ease anxiety. Routines also offer children a chance to try some independence and gives them the opportunity to practice good self care habits they can use as an adult.
When planning your morning routine it's important to do two things:
- Take into account the needs of you and your child(ren)
- Start the night before
Ways you can prepare the night before:
- Lay out outfits for the next day
- Discuss hairstyles
- Plan breakfast
- Consider your FULL schedule for the next day, to ensure you have anything extra you'll need for after school and work.
For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Primary Care page.
For tips on how to have get a good night sleep to come in to your morning well-rested and ready to seize the day, read this blog on bedtime routines.
Amy Laird-Payne on establishing morning routines