Building a Routine for School Attendance Success
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Articles by National Heritage
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Published: Jul 08, 2024
As parents, we all know that getting kids to school on time can sometimes feel like a challenge. But with a structured routine in place, those mornings can become much smoother. Alana Olds, a student/family liaison at Westfield Charter Academy, says the secret to a successful morning actually begins the night before.
“Getting kids to bed on time and making sure devices are put away is so important,” Olds explains.
A consistent sleep schedule helps ensure kids are well-rested and ready to take on the day. But, according to Olds, there are a few additional steps parents can take to simplify mornings even further.
One key tip is handling as many tasks as possible the night before—packing lunches, laying out clothes, or double-checking backpacks. This reduces morning stress and keeps the focus on starting the day on the right foot.
Starting the morning with a positive tone is also a game-changer. “You don’t want to start the day yelling or fussing at them. That just makes them not want to go to school,” Olds shares. Instead, she encourages parents to focus on encouragement and celebrate small wins—like getting ready on time or remembering their homework.
Visual tools can also work wonders for families. “I worked with one parent on a morning routine chart,” she says. “Her son was feeling anxious about his sister going to a different school, so we created a chart with simple steps. It showed things like dropping his sister off first and then heading to his school. They put it on the fridge so he could see it every morning, and it really helped.”
For younger kids, pairing visual aids like a chart with small rewards—stickers or a special treat—can keep them motivated to stick to the plan.
While rewards can provide a boost, Olds emphasizes that consistency is the real foundation for success. Children thrive on predictable routines and knowing what to expect each morning, whether it’s a cheerful “Good morning, Xavier!” at the school door or a reliable drop-off plan.
For parents dealing with challenges like transportation or shifting work schedules, Olds encourages reaching out to the school for support. “We’re here to help,” she says. Schools often offer resources like before- and after-school care, transportation assistance, or a quick check-in with a trusted staff member to help families stay on track.
Building a routine might take a little effort at first, but with consistency, positivity, and support, it can make getting to school a whole lot easier.
“Getting kids to bed on time and making sure devices are put away is so important,” Olds explains.
A consistent sleep schedule helps ensure kids are well-rested and ready to take on the day. But, according to Olds, there are a few additional steps parents can take to simplify mornings even further.
One key tip is handling as many tasks as possible the night before—packing lunches, laying out clothes, or double-checking backpacks. This reduces morning stress and keeps the focus on starting the day on the right foot.
Starting the morning with a positive tone is also a game-changer. “You don’t want to start the day yelling or fussing at them. That just makes them not want to go to school,” Olds shares. Instead, she encourages parents to focus on encouragement and celebrate small wins—like getting ready on time or remembering their homework.
Visual tools can also work wonders for families. “I worked with one parent on a morning routine chart,” she says. “Her son was feeling anxious about his sister going to a different school, so we created a chart with simple steps. It showed things like dropping his sister off first and then heading to his school. They put it on the fridge so he could see it every morning, and it really helped.”
For younger kids, pairing visual aids like a chart with small rewards—stickers or a special treat—can keep them motivated to stick to the plan.
While rewards can provide a boost, Olds emphasizes that consistency is the real foundation for success. Children thrive on predictable routines and knowing what to expect each morning, whether it’s a cheerful “Good morning, Xavier!” at the school door or a reliable drop-off plan.
For parents dealing with challenges like transportation or shifting work schedules, Olds encourages reaching out to the school for support. “We’re here to help,” she says. Schools often offer resources like before- and after-school care, transportation assistance, or a quick check-in with a trusted staff member to help families stay on track.
Building a routine might take a little effort at first, but with consistency, positivity, and support, it can make getting to school a whole lot easier.