routines

As a kid, I loved my school break, I mean, loved it! As a parent, I truly hate my kids school break. Selfishly of course, but it has totally messed their schedules up. And for their teachers, they need the break, so I get it.

I have noticed a big difference with Boy B, both before their break and now after and it has been a struggle getting him back on track. Now, that being said, there are other factors, but my point is that the 2 week break has set him back. It has been harder for him to focus and to adjust to the routine of going to school as well. We did keep them on the same bed time schedule while they were out of school as well.

We have had to do a lot of things to ensure that his schedule is on track and spending time, calming him down if his schedule changes.  These are all things that we have to be very in tone with him and what his needs are. Does this add a layer of stress or complexity to our lives? A little. But what it does, in my opinion, is make us better parents.

So today, even though there is no school, we are keeping his lunch schedule the exact same as it would be at school. And we are also breaking his day up into the same intervals that it would be if he were at school. It also helps me see the where the triggers are in his stress levels and helps me adjust his day as needed. I know that school break is important for both the teachers and the students, but does it have to be a 2 week period?

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The boys have been doing great with potty training. While we were on vacation, there were was one potty accident per each child, the entire 12 days that we were gone.

Today, the boys went back to their new preschool for their first full week and each boy had two accidents today alone. It was as if we took a step back today. I realize that a lot has to do with change. A new place, even though they have been several times.

Change is hard on children. Divorce. New preschool, moving, etc. can cause a minor step back, but we are trying to provide as much positive praise and encouragement and getting the boys acclimated again to their routine.

For my wife and I, we have spent so much time focusing on the boys potty training, that at first this minor step back was frustrating, but as we talked through all the changes that the boys are going through, ie. A new daycare, a long vacation and no longer at being at home everyday, we are changing what they have really known for a long time. But we both agree that once we get into the new daycare routine, we feel that the potty training issues will subside.

Patience and a lot of love and encouragement. That is what we are focusing on this week.

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