Adhering to a routine allows us to foster habits that match our goals and aspirations. Parents are aware that children need a routine to instill structure and discipline in their lives. Consistency can help children establish and maintain good sleeping patterns, develop an understanding of time management, and can strengthen family relationships by focusing on time together. 

While changes in your household routine can be fun, they can also leave kids—and often parents—irritable and tired. As we charge into the next holiday break away from the steady structure of school, keeping a family routine can become a challenge. Whether you’re traveling or spending time at home this break, here are some tips to sustain those healthy habits and keep that holiday cheer! 

Family meetings are important
Regular family meetings are an effective way to bring the family together to improve communication, set weekly goals, and to determine your kids’ current needs and feelings. If you already engage in family meetings be sure to continue these and utilize the time to encourage routine, structure, and mutual respect over the holiday break. For those that want to introduce the family meeting to your household this holiday, choose a suitable time for the meeting to take place, for example right after dinner. Weekly family meetings are a great positive discipline tool where children learn to listen, respect differences, verbalize appreciation, and problem-solve. 

Meal and bed times are important too
It's tempting to let kids stay up late during the holidays since they don’t have to be up early for school the next day. Not all children sleep in to get enough sleep, check out sleepfoundation.org to see how many hours is recommended for your child (six to thirteen years need nine to eleven hours). Late bedtimes can also let set meal times and daily routine slide. Having regular meal times helps to break up the day into manageable chunks for both parents and children. For example, "We'll do that after breakfast" or "You need to finish that activity before dinner" are time scales that can be understood and navigated by all family members regardless of age.

Keep consistency with behavior expectations
In the same way, a teacher would apply rules and expectations in the classroom, you should continue this away from school. Nurture positive behavior with consistent positive reinforcement (this can be as simple as verbally acknowledging good behavior). If you have limits, such as screen time restrictions, be certain to stick to them. Children feel safer knowing what you expect of them and the resulting consequence. If you need an extra boost, you can create, or maintain, a system for reward at home. “When you complete your 20 minutes of reading for five days then you can pick a restaurant for lunch.”

Make plans
Utilize your family meeting to have everyone contribute to a list of activities that you could do over the holiday. Schedule a day and time for these activities and ensure you keep your children in the know. Making and informing your children of plans could be as simple as announcing that Aunty Jo will be joining for dinner on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Kids thrive on predictability! 

Get outdoors
Physical activity is good for the mind and body of the whole family, and especially for kids with energy to burn. Be sure to monitor your child’s screen time and balance it with outdoor activities. Find an activity your children enjoy such as a bike ride, or spend an afternoon at the beach. 

Living in routine over the holiday period can be a challenge. Do your best to mimic these routine strategies, even when traveling. Although there will likely be days when we sleep later than planned or unanticipated events interrupt a schedule, it’s important to weave in boundaries to your break to keep it enjoyable—and restful—for all! Happy Holidays!