Rhythm That Grounds Us
“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.”
— Mike Murdock
The start of the school year often feels like a race.
Wake up. Brush teeth. Eat. Pack. Rush. Remind. Repeat.
By 8 a.m., we’ve already raised our voices, forgotten something important, or second-guessed whether this school year is going to be “better” than the last.
But what if, instead of reacting to chaos, we prepared for calm?
What if routines weren’t just schedules, but a source of security, connection, and confidence?
Why Routines Work?
Children thrive when they know what to expect.
Routines provide:
A sense of safety in times of change
Opportunities for independence
A rhythm that supports self-regulation
A way to connect—without power struggles
But here’s the key: routines work best when kids help create them. That’s how we move from enforcing structure to co-creating systems that build life skills and respect.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Imagine starting the school day not with “Settle down!” but with a routine everyone helped design.
When routines are consistent and predictable, students feel empowered to step into learning without stress.
Some effective classroom routines:
Morning greetings to build connection
Job check-ins (see last week’s blog!)
Mindful minutes or check-in circles
Transition signals for moving between tasks
End-of-day reflections or clean-up routines
Post the routine visually, practice it together, and tweak it through class meetings if needed. When students help create it, they’re more likely to own it.
AT HOME
Back-to-school evenings don’t have to be a battlefield.
By co-creating a family routine that includes wind-down time, homework help, and connection moments, you turn stressful transitions into opportunities for calm.
Sample routines:
Morning: Wake up → Get dressed → Eat breakfast → Brush teeth → Family hug/check-in → Out the door
After school: Snack → Share about the day → Homework → Play/free/Connection time
Evening: Dinner → Bath → Prepare for tomorrow → Quiet time → Bedtime routine
Let kids help design the flow—maybe even draw or decorate it together. This process builds cooperation and reduces resistance.
And remember: connection is always the goal. If the routine becomes rigid and power-struggly, it's time to reconnect and adjust.
Quick Tips To Make Routine Stick
1. Create routines with kids.
Ask: “What do we need to do each morning to get out the door calmly?”
2. Make routines visual.
Charts, drawings, or photo schedules work wonders—especially for younger children.
3. Start small.
Focus on one routine (like bedtime) before overhauling everything.
4. Be flexible.
Routines should serve your relationship—not the other way around.
5. Celebrate progress.
“You remembered every step of the morning routine today—look at you go!”
Routines aren’t about being strict or robotic. They’re about being intentional. It doesn’t just make life easier — they help kids feel anchored, confident, and capable.
When routines are created with kids (not for them), they feel empowered and engaged.
Use class meetings or family talks to ask:
“What part of the day feels stressful or rushed?”
“What can we do to make mornings smoother?”
“What would help you feel more ready for bed?”
Let them help brainstorm. Let them post the schedule. Let them own it. Because when routines are built on connection and mutual respect, they become a launching pad for resilience and emotional well-being all year long.
P.S. Craving more calm in your daily rhythm? Check out our Flexible Time Block Routine templates—one for home and one for the classroom—to help you create structure with room to breathe (and still get everything done). DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIE HERE
Do you want us to bring the Positive Discipline in the Classroom training directly to your school or organization.
From leadership teams to full faculty, we offer customized workshops that equip educators to integrate SEL and Educational Neuroscience seamlessly into everyday teaching.
💡 Let’s partner to build stronger, more connected school communities—together.
NEED AN AID TO PLAN THIS
NEW SCHOOL YEAR?
