Part 4: Building Positive School Habits and Routines That Stick

Monarch
Aug 21
3 min read

Welcome to the final blog in our Back-To-School Series. If you have been following along, you have started to prepare your home for the new school year, checked in about your child’s emotional readiness, and started to organize a homework space. This post will help you check in on your child’s (and your) habits and routines.

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to help your child develop habits and routines that will make the entire year easier and more enjoyable. When kids have good habits, they’re more organized, confident, and less stressed about schoolwork and responsibilities. In this final post, we’ll explore practical, easy-to-implement strategies to build lasting school habits and routines that work for your family.

Why Positive School Habits and Routines Matter

Habits are like mental shortcuts. When a behavior becomes routine, it takes less effort and willpower to do it. That means less nagging for parents, less frustration for kids, and more consistent success. Routines provide structure and predictability, which kids—especially neurodivergent children—thrive on. Knowing what comes next can reduce anxiety and help kids manage their energy better.

1. Start Small and Build Gradually

Don’t try to change everything overnight. Pick one or two habits to focus on, and once those feel comfortable, add another.

Examples of small habits to start:

Putting backpacks by the door after school
Doing a quick 5-minute tidy-up before dinner
Packing lunch the night before

2. Use Visual Schedules and Reminders

Visual aids can make routines easier to remember and follow.

Create a daily schedule with pictures or icons showing morning, school, after-school, and bedtime steps
Use timers or alarms to signal transitions (e.g., time to start homework, get ready for bed)
Put reminder notes in common areas or on your child’s bedroom door

3. Create Consistent Morning and Evening Rituals

Consistency helps anchor the day.

Morning routine ideas:

Wake up, brush teeth, get dressed
Eat breakfast together
Review what’s needed for school that day (homework, permission slips, snacks)

Evening routine ideas:

Prepare clothes and backpacks for the next day
Have a calming wind-down activity (reading, puzzles, quiet music)
Set a regular bedtime with screen-free time before sleep

4. Build In Breaks and Movement

Kids need chances to recharge, especially during homework or long study sessions.

Encourage short, frequent breaks for stretching, a quick walk, or play
Include movement or sensory activities that help your child focus (jumping jacks, using a stress ball, fidget toys)
Respect your child’s natural rhythms—some kids focus better after physical activity

5. Encourage Responsibility and Independence

Help your child take ownership of their routines and tasks.

Use checklists or charts where they can track completed tasks
Celebrate successes, even small ones, to build confidence
Teach problem-solving skills for common challenges (e.g., “What can you do if you forgot your homework?”)

6. Stay Flexible and Adjust as Needed

Routines should serve your family, not the other way around. It’s okay to tweak schedules, try new strategies, or pause if things aren’t working.

Check in regularly with your child about what’s going well and what feels hard. Adjust routines to fit their needs and growth.

7. Model Positive Habits Yourself

Children learn a lot by watching their parents.

Show your own organization skills and routines
Share your strategies for handling busy days or staying calm
Keep a positive attitude about school and learning

8. Make It Fun

Add small rewards, games, or creative twists to routines.

Use sticker charts or token rewards
Turn clean-up into a race or dance party
Celebrate weekly successes with special outings or treats

Fun helps keep motivation high and builds positive associations.

Building positive school habits and routines is a journey—not a one-time fix. With patience, consistency, and love, you’re setting your child up for a year of growth, learning, and success. Remember, every family is different. What matters most is finding what works for you and your child—and celebrating every step forward.

Thank you so much for following along with our Back-To-School series! We at Monarch hope that you and your child have an amazing start to the new school year!

ADHD - Autism - Executive Functioning - Learning Disorders