Establishing a Routine for Back-to-School Success

As we wrap up the first few weeks of school and move further into the academic year, we must remember that establishing a routine is essential for a smooth transition from summer’s relaxed pace to the structured school year and is pivotal for success throughout the year. Routine provides stability, reduces stress, and helps students of all ages perform better academically and emotionally.

Create Morning and Evening Rituals
Morning routines set the tone for the day. Encourage students to prepare for their day the night before—packing backpacks, picking out clothes, and getting lunches ready. Mornings will be less rushed, and everyone will leave the house more calmly. An evening routine can also help wind down after school. This might include homework time, a light snack, some relaxation, and then a consistent bedtime.

Prioritize Healthy Habits
A routine that emphasizes balanced meals, regular exercise, and adequate sleep is critical for students’ overall well-being. Aim for at least 8–10 hours of sleep per night, depending on the child’s age. Establishing consistent meal and snack times keeps energy levels stable, while regular physical activity helps with concentration and stress management.

Set Academic Expectations
Set aside specific times for homework and study. This ensures students develop good habits and stay on track academically. Avoid letting homework time overlap with distractions like TV or smartphones, creating a focused environment that encourages productivity.

Make Adjustments When Needed
Every family and child is different. It’s important to remember that routines should be flexible enough to adjust as needs arise. Stay tuned into what’s working and what isn’t. Check in with your child regularly and be willing to tweak the routine to best suit everyone’s needs.

Establishing a routine for the back-to-school season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By creating rituals, promoting healthy habits and remaining flexible, families can ease into the school year with confidence and stability. This structured approach provides the foundation for both academic success and emotional well-being, making the transition smoother for students and parents alike.

Nebraska

Foster parents, Josh and Christina Glore were called by God to foster.  Their four children – Nate, Ben, Michael, and Kara – have graciously shared bedrooms with children placed in their homes. READ MORE HERE

Oklahoma

Misty Cross has been a foster parent with TFI for over 3 years. Misty has done an amazing job as a foster parent, and over the years, she has stepped outside her comfort zone and grown as a foster parent to meet the needs of children who come into her home. READ MORE HERE

Kansas

Nathan and Tamara Davis have been fostering for just over a year, but they are quickly making a name as one of our best homes! Nathan and Tamara are constantly working to ensure the children’s needs are met in their home. READ MORE HERE

Texas

The Ondrusek-Garcia family is a young, energetic, and active family that has been fostered for several years and is adoption-motivated. The family is a young, energetic, and active family.  They love young children and foster and are hopeful that they will be able to grow their family through adoption. READ MORE HERE

Recruitment Corner

The recruitment team is wrapping up this summer in style with several community and family appreciation events. In the first few days of August, TFI participated in the First Lady’s Back to School Bash for foster families in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Then, we shared our appreciation for Tulsa area families by sponsoring admission for everyone to the McClure Municipal Pool on August 3 and August 10! On August 17, TFI showed love to the Oklahoma City area by sponsoring admission to the Will Rogers Family Aquatic Center. In Kansas, our families gathered at Pittsburg Aquatic Center on August 6 for a family pool party with refreshments and door prizes. In Texas, we will be set up at the Healthy Living Expo in Grapevine on August 23 to serve the community and share the need for more foster homes. Finally, we were so excited to celebrate our families in Nebraska with an end-of-summer party on August 24!