Routines aren’t about being strict or robotic. They’re about being intentional. It don’t just make life easier — they help kids feel anchored, confident, and capable. When routines are created with kids (not for them), they feel empowered and engaged.

Lunchboxes everywhere. Crumpled homework at the bottom of a backpack. Forgotten water bottles. It’s easy to slip into the “I’ll just do it myself” mode. After all, it’s faster, neater, and less stressful… in the short term.

It’s a time of big transitions. And during transitions, children often seek one thing more than anything else: A sense of belonging and significance.

Shared Agreements are collaboratively created guidelines that reflect everyone’s voice and values. When kids help create the agreements, they feel a sense of ownership. And ownership increases cooperation.