Start with a family conversation on routines and talk about: 

• A routine decreases our stress and calms nerves 

• We take back some control

• Setting daily goals

• Why certain activities need to done by a certain time (have a complete by time)

Children (and all of us) thrive on routine. 

Consider keeping regular bedtimes and morning routines, sitting down for lunch at the same time, and writing out a daily schedule so that the family knows the plan for the day. Keeping these small things consistent can help our kids to feel regulated, calm and make a potentially scary situation feel much more predictable. 

• • This allows you and your child(ren) to know what to expect throughout the day. (Sample here)

  •  Include designated time for work/chores/self-help activities as well as movement or play breaks.

  •  Provide choices of the work/activities that can be completed during designated work times, and choices of activities or items that can be accessed only during the free/play times.

  • Establish a designated work area. Prepare the area designated for work with the appropriate supplies ready for the activity.

More ideas for schedules and routines:

For older children, have them self-manage their time using a planner

For sample daily schedules, Click Here

For more ideas on how to fill a schedule at home, Click Here

Sometimes when children are not behaving we tend to focus only on the behavior that is bothering us. Here is a list of things you can do to support their positive behavior so that you see less negative behavior from your children:

1. Establish 3-5 household/ family expectations. 

Work together as a family to determine the rules that work for your home. Use language that tells us what to do, not what NOT to do (For example: Instead of a rule stating “No talking back”, say “Use respectful language”)

Examples of expectations may include:

• • Be respectful (speak to each other in a respectful manner; follow instructions when asked)

  • Be responsible (finish the daily tasks that are required such as the morning routine to get ready, or finishing schoolwork)

  • Be safe (Use walking feet in the house; ask an adult for help with dangerous household items)

2. Acknowledge positive behaviors: 

Catch your child being good! We all love to hear what we are doing well, so focus on the behaviors that we WANT to see more than focusing on the difficult/undesirable behaviors. 

• • Relate your positive verbal praise to your household expectations when you can.

  • Statements such as “I like how you are waiting so patiently. That is very respectful”; “Thank you for using your walking feet”; “Thank you for taking out the trash without anyone asking.”

  • Avoid using threats (such as “You better finish your work, or you’re going to lose your free time.”) Instead, identify incentives such as “Remember, as soon as you are done with this homework assignment, you can have a 15 minute break to play outside.”)

  •  Instead of repeating what the child is not supposed to do, explain what they are expected to do. (Example: Instead of “Stop running around the house!”, say “Please have a seat and finish your lunch, then we can have a break.

3. Establish a reinforcement/ reward system: 

We are all more likely to complete a task/activity when we are motivated by something we want. To increase motivation and sustain effort, identify 3-5 preferred items/activities of each family member and set goals to earn them! 

• • Provide reinforcement, incentives, or verbal reinforcement for completion of task/appropriate behavior (breaks, activities, etc.)

  • Elementary examples: 30 minutes of school work earns 10 minutes of playtime; completion of one worksheet/assignment earns preferred snack; complete 1 chore to earn playing a board game with a family member

  • Secondary Examples: Completion of X number chores per day earns access to an hour of screen time or a preferred activity; Completion of school work each day earns choosing the dinner of his/her choice.

  • Get creative!

  • For behaviors that require more consistent attention/ reinforcement, use a Daily Behavior Tracking form  (See example here or here) 

4. Use priming or verbal reminders of an upcoming transition in schedule. 

For example: “5 more minutes, then time for math practice… 3 more minutes, then time for math practice… 1 more minute, then time for math practice, please start making your way to the table…”

5. Use "Grandma’s law" (Premack principle). 

“First finish your worksheet, then you can have an iPad break.”

If you still have questions or if you would like other ideas on supporting positive behavior click here for the GGUSD Intensive Behavior Instruction Website:

Yes. It may help your child get more done.

Make sure you monitor when your child may need a break. Watch for these signs:

• No longer focused

• Looking tired

• Yelling/ Upset

• Saying I don't get this

• Attempts to get out of work 

• Crying

Scheduling Playtime, Homwork and Routines

While home is often seen as a place to relax and have fun, creating routines around more important times such as meals, bedtime and homework, helps provide students with structure.  Having established routines provides children a schedule for the day as well as expectations with regards to their behaviors and responsibilities.

Take a Brain Break

A brain break is just what it sounds like—a break from whatever kids are focusing on. Short brain breaks during work time have been shown to have real benefits. They reduce stress and frustration and increase attention and productivity.

The key is to take them before fatigue, distraction or lack of focus set in.  For grade-schoolers, that’s typically after 10 to 15 minutes of work. At that point, they may need a three-to five-minute break. Middle- and high-schoolers can work for longer—up to 20 to 30 minutes before a break.

For more information on Brain Breaks click here:

Try These Sites for Even More Ideas:

• Common Sense Media: 25 best podcasts for kids and the 10 Must-Listen Podcasts for Tweens and Teens. 

• There are child-friendly yoga poses and workouts on this YouTube kids app.

• The Washington Post’s guide to “Parenting During Coronavirus” is chock-a-block with ideas, from lists of good documentaries kids can watch to great ideas from readers, like creating a movie with their iMovie app, stocking up on ingredients to let kids cook and bake, listening to audio books, and having sports competitions with siblings only, as well as tips to working at home.

Maybe.  This will depend on your availability to teach new skills and support your kids when they are learning new life skills. 

Have kids help with the process of doing a whole load of laundry from start to finish, work through a recipe for dinner together or clean surfaces around the house while explaining how to safely use different cleaning products. All of these experiences help a child to understand their future role as independent adults.

Here Are More Ideas on Chores for You:  

List of Ideas for Chores by Age

8 Ways to Motivate Kids to Do Chores

Free Printable Chore Charts by Age

With the internet you have the world at your fingertips. Watching movies and favorite TV shows can be a beneficial  break tool. However, don't forget about all the interesting educational and travel experiences on the internet for your children  to explore.   This could be learning more about sports or traveling virtually to a new country. Resources for travel can be found here.

Here are some other great sites to explore with your children: 

• National Geographic Kids

• PBS KIDS.org

• ScienceDaily.com 

• educationworld.com

• TIME For Kids 

• Smithsonian Tween Tribune 

• Commonsensemedia.org is also a great resource for finding age appropriate options.

That's a great question and we all want students to be completing their work. For more help click here. 

Remember, your child's teacher is here to help, as well as other support staff at school like psychologists, social workers and counselors (grades 7-12). Please start with contacting your child's teacher for support.