Gentle Routines to Try This Fall
The truth is that the back-to-school season is full excitement, hope, nerves, and little stumbles. And that’s okay. Here are a few gentle routines and reminders that might help your family settle into the season with more ease—and a little more joy.
As families settle in, small routines can bring big comfort:
- Food -- Many parenting coaches suggest serving an earlier dinner—or at least a hearty snack as soon as kids get home from school. Kids are often worn out and hungry, and that extra fuel helps regulate moods and makes evenings smoother.
-
After-School Pause - Instead of rushing straight into activities or questions, start with 15–20 minutes of “regulating” time. Ask your child what helps them feel calm — some ideas might be coloring, reading, or a short nature walk. Sometimes they may simply appreciate a little quiet.
-
Evening Wind-Down - Create a “signal” that the day is ending—like dimming the lights, playing calm music, or having kids pick tomorrow’s clothes. Small rituals help everyone feel grounded.
-
Joy Check-In - There are loads of recommendations for questions to ask your kids to get them to talk but a very simple activity is the “Rose, Thorn, Bud” conversation at dinner or bedtime:
o Rose = best part of the day
o Thorn = hardest part
o Bud = something you’re looking forward to
💛 Remember: You’re Doing Enough
This season is not about perfect schedules or flawless parenting—it’s about connection and celebrating little wins. If dinner ends up being cereal (again), if bedtime feels like a competitive sport, or if you show up to the meet-and-greet on the wrong day—guess what? You’re still doing an amazing job.
Take a breath, give yourself grace, and look for the small joys—the after-school giggles, the “I love yous” at bedtime and as your rush out the door, the moments
when things almost go smoothly. Those are the memories that will carry you (and your kids) through the year.
This message comes from Whatcom Taking Action. We’re a community collaborative here to support children and families across Whatcom County. Our goal is to help every family thrive—whether your child has a disability, behavioral health needs, or you just need a little extra support.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
