Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)

Building Resilience Through Routine 

Welcome back, everyone, to what is sure to be a very exciting and busy Term 4. It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of the year again. Time certainly does seem to fly by!

As we begin a new term, I thought it was a lovely time to revisit the importance of routines and the role they can play in supporting our children’s wellbeing and resilience.

Routines can sometimes feel like just another part of our busy day, but they can actually provide children with a wonderful sense of safety, predictability and security. When children know what to expect, they can feel more settled, confident and better prepared to navigate the little ups and downs that come with everyday life.

A routine doesn’t need to be complicated or perfect. Simple things like getting dressed, having breakfast, packing a school bag, brushing teeth and heading to school at a similar time each day can help provide children with a sense of consistency and stability.

Routines can help children to:

• Feel more settled and secure.
• Know what to expect and what is expected of them.
• Develop independence and responsibility.
• Feel more prepared for changes and transitions.
• Practise managing small challenges.

• Build confidence in managing everyday tasks.

   

Importantly, resilience doesn’t mean that children will never feel worried, frustrated or overwhelmed. Resilience is about helping children develop the skills, confidence and support they need to work through these feelings and know that they can keep going, even when things feel difficult.

At home, you can support this by creating simple and predictable routines and, where possible, involving your child in them. Perhaps they can choose their clothes the night before, help pack their school bag or use a visual checklist to work through their morning routine. These little moments can help children develop a sense of independence and ownership.

And remember… routines don’t have to be perfect! Life is busy, and things don’t always go to plan. Sometimes routines need to change, and that is okay. In fact, these moments can provide wonderful opportunities for children to practise flexibility, problem-solving and coping with change.

As we move into a busy Term 4, it is worth remembering that sometimes it is the small, everyday things that make the biggest difference. Small routines can build big skills. By creating a sense of predictability while also allowing room for flexibility, we can help our children feel safe, supported and confident as they navigate the challenges that come their way.

Wellbeing first, learning follows.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend.