The Must Have Structure for Your Preschooler When at Home

We’re all in an awkward time right now. And by awkward, I mean super serious lockdown as the Covid19 virus plagues our population. Businesses and schools are closed for who knows how long and honestly, it’s only been two weeks and people are already going nuts. Seriously, like nutssss. 

I do have to say though that I don’t think there has ever been such an appreciation for teachers really before this time. All of sudden with the kids stuck at home, everyone realizes a teacher’s job is more than just watching kids. Matter of fact, that’s not our job at all. But it’s nice to finally get a little recognition.However, this is not a venting post (maybe just a tad). 

We need to discuss how you are going to get through this period, or any elongated period where your kids are now around 24/7. We don’t know when schools will re-open so making a plan to tackle the hard bits is more than necessary. 

And the one thing we have been communicating to all parents is the need for structure. 

Why You Need Structure At Home

Alright, we are in our new normal with no end in sight. Your kids are running around while you’re on zoom calls, you’re trying to get projects done, the siblings are fighting, it’s endless. The most important thing you can do right now is create a new structure for your household. 

The old one is out the window since everything’s been turned upside down and we’re living in Dr. Seuss world. But it doesn’t mean you don’t create a new structure. Structure is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your kids. It will teach them how to behave, what your expectations are for the current situation, and allow them a little more comfort in knowing what they can and cannot do. 

Let’s look closer.

1. Provides Boundaries

The major item that kids thrive on and are successful with are boundaries. Boundaries help form the structure that show kids what to do. For example, you teach your kids that when Mom is in her room on a phone call they do not interrupt. If they do interrupt, come at them as if you just saw a goblin run into your room! No no, I’m just kidding.

But seriously, if you want to teach them that you are not to be bothered when you’re working on the phone, they need to have some kind of consequence when they interrupt you. That will help teach them that they can’t bother mom on the phone or this will happen. Now you have peace and quiet when on the phone. 

Let’s look at another good boundary to put in place right now. You have to move breakfast to a different time to adjust to your new work and online meeting schedule. The kids get cranky but there’s nothing you can do or you’ll be late starting work. The children need to understand that this is the new breakfast time, this is the time mommy or daddy have to spend with you and provide you with an awesome morning meal. 

It may take some getting used to, but if they have a tantrum or are defiant, they’re not going to be able to have the same breakfast you had prepared. If they come around and you’re already in work mode… banana, or maybe the cold oatmeal that would have been hot if they came on time. Again, you need to practice with consequences (that make sense) in hopes of establishing any kind of boundaries. And you’re going to want to if you’re looking for any kind of normalcy over the next few weeks. 

Boundaries are your new best friend. Teach them. 

2. Establishes Routines and Expectations

Expectations will come next when you begin to teach your little ones what the new boundaries are at home. Again, I say new because it’s a completely different world despite being in the same environment. You have different tasks and errands to do and they cannot be tugging at your hip the whole time. 

When you begin to teach them the new boundaries at home you will also be telling and teaching them what your new expectations are. They work pretty much simultaneously with each other and help to inform your children of the new structure. 

3. Provides Comfort Levels

The next thing that structure helps with (and we’ll keep this short since this post is already getting pretty long) is creating a sense of comfort for the kids. If the kids know what the boundaries are and what your new expectations are, they will tailor their behavior to act accordingly (at least for the most part). No child wants to get in trouble or throw tantrums. They don’t choose to be sad or have a bad day. By creating this structure at home, and teaching them what the rules and routines are, they will be more comfortable in making their own choices. 

*Make It EASY! Follow The Preschool Schedule

A great thing to do, especially if you have preschoolers at home, is to help model their day after routines they already have in their preschool. Due to the lack of school environment and being at home, you will be sure to see a rise in tantrums and behavior struggles. But if you choose to put some of the preschool routines in their day at home it will help to impart some regularity to their schedule. 

Create a daily visual schedule for them. Make it is easy to learn and follow. You can mimic that of their regular school day so the learning on their part isn’t too overwhelming. A sample is located below:

Freeplay

Breakfast

Lessons

Lunch

Nap

Snack

Freeplay

This is very similar to a preschool day and goes from the morning till the afternoon. I needed to be slightly more vague as the schedule will vary per child and per family, and when they are logging on with their teachers for online work. Obviously make one that comfortably fits around what you need to get done. But the point is to have one none the less. Make it visible to them and have them learn it.

*Observe the Learning Curve

Okay, we’re almost there guys. The last thing that all parents will need to understand is that with any new “something”, there is always going to be a learning curve, especially with young kids. There is always a transition period where they will decide if they like it or not, how much they can push back, and come to terms with it in the end. I know it sounds intense but it’s really fine. Everyone deals with this all the time, adults and kids, so it’s not that big of a deal. 

However, it is important for you to understand that you will see a rise in their negative behaviors for the time being. It can take anywhere from a few days to a week or two. But, hopefully you already have some structure in place at home so they kind of know what behaviors are allowed and what’s not. 

But parents, please be mindful of this period. It will be hard but it will not last and you must keep going if you are hoping to get some good structure in place.  

*Summary

Alright parents, there you have it! The quick tips to create a new and successful structure in your home during this quarantine. Also, just to note, even though this is key as we’re all experiencing hysteria at the moment and looking to establish some kind of normalcy, these tips are ideal for any period where things get a little thrown around. You can use these strategies at any time there’s going to be a big change or unexpected things are happening. Remember structure is key. Help your kids and help yourself. Let’s review the three key points one more time. 

1. The importance and benefits of structure at home

2. Follow their preschool schedule

3. Be patient during the learning curve 

And if you want extra help with your little one, the course HOW TO GET YOUR KIDS TO LISTEN! has just launched!! This is a wholly comprehensive parenting course with the goal of getting you and your child back on track and helping you gain control over your child’s behaviors, whatever they may be, now.

And as always, If you have any questions, comments, or ideas please share them in the comments section below with your fellow parents! And definitely subscribe to the newsletter for updates and ongoing happenings at TylekTeaches.com. The subscription link is just on the right hand side of this post. See you there!