This morning I sat
down to write about how different things are with my wife now back to
work. As I continue to take care of my children, we are back
to a fairly predictable routine... Sure, the day varies, but
at least I have a time frame to work with...and I have a
general idea of what
to expect. Yes...every day is completely different, but there
is some continuity.
This is on my mind right now as children head back to school, and for
my own personal reflection of feeling like I did not get everything
accomplished, over the summer, that I had hoped to. Over the
summer... There was just
too
much free time. There were too many excuses and
variables to say, "I'll get to it later..." And then later
never came.
Comfort In A
Schedule
New parents are told to put their babies on a schedule...
Schools run on a schedule... We schedule meetings
and appointments... But why?
Schedules benefit everyone. Putting an infant on a schedule
is just as much
about
the baby as it is the
parents. Let's look at the main benefits of a
schedule:
- Continuity
- Reliability
- Parameters
- Boundaries
- Expectations
When I think of schedules...I think about
knowing what to expect.
Sure there are many other benefits to setting a schedule...
But for me, that's the main benefit. I know what is
coming... I know when to expect it... And,
I also
understand that it might change.
Schedules And ADHD
People with ADHD, both adults and children, can greatly benefit from a
schedule. It provides structure and can help give people
focus and attention. No...it doesn't solve anything or
everything... No it's NOT a magical cure. But it's
a piece of the puzzle. Think of it like
setting rules.
If you tell a child, don't forget your homework... Will they
forget? Will it get done? Are you willing to take
that chance?
But if you put it down on paper or schedule that specific time, we are
making our intentions known. We are setting aside time.
Routines come in all shapes and sizes.... The best advice I
can give you is to make sure you do what works for you and your family.
Some children are visual and can benefit from a calendar that
is written down... Perhaps your children need an organizer...
Setting A Schedule
When setting a schedule, think about what you want to accomplish.
What are the goals of setting a schedule? What do
you want to get done? How do you imagine it will help?
But
most of all,
be flexible. Yes....be flexible. Setting a schedule
and sticking to it is important. But you also need to be
prepared for that schedule shifts (and it will).
When I am talking about schedules... I am thinking about
setting up habits... Routines... Lifestyle
changes...
Maybe you need to schedule the morning so that waking up your child is
less of a hassle. Or maybe you need to schedule after school
hours to make sure homework gets done.
