The importance of routine

If the last few months have taught me anything, it’s been the importance of having a routine. Although sometimes it can seem like a prison (school run and the nightmare of trying to park anyone?), I have come to see it as a very necessary way of preserving mental health and ensuring that at least something is achieved every day.

And children are no different. Certainly in times of stress, a routine can be a game-changer. And, with the entrance exams season rushing towards us, it’s time to up our game and make sure that we are firmly established in routines of revision tests and reading. It’s also those little things that might have slipped over the past few months: bed-times, meal time and taking regular exercise that are so very important.

At the moment, my boys and girls are doing anywhere between 3 and 5 hours of tests a week in preparation for their exams. They are also reading and working on their vocabulary. It is extremely important that they are in a routine. Doing one test every day then having weekends to relax is the ideal scenario. VR on a Monday Maths on a Tuesday, NVR on Wednesday etc… there is something comforting about routinely, step-by-step, working towards a goal. It can bring massive satisfaction and an enormous sense of well-being.

Although this seems intense for children, they know that within a few weeks all of their hard work will be finished. Hopefully, they will gain a place at their choice of school and can relax and really enjoy Year 6.

And for their parents? Well, once the tests are finished, their routine will be pacing in front of the post-box waiting for the results to arrive.