George's Manual

5

Routines

In This Section

After School ScheduleScreen Time Earning CriteriaBedtime Routine DetailsTransition Warnings

After School Schedule

TimeActivityGeorge's Responsibility
3:00 - 3:30 PMPickup & Arrival HomeDrive safely, have snack ready. Greet them positively.
3:30 - 4:30 PMHomework Time (if needed)Check folders, provide support, confirm completion.
4:30 - 6:30 PMActivities / Free PlayPer the weekly schedule. Engage, supervise, be present.
6:30 - 7:30 PMDinnerEnsure dinner is ready, plated nicely. Eat with the family.
7:30 PMLights Dim / BathsDim all lights. Run baths. Supervise teeth brushing.
7:30 - 8:00 PMEarned Screen TimeSupervise. Give 10-min and 5-min warnings.
8:00 PMScreens OFFJack reads Percy Jackson. Mom puts Charlie to bed.
8:30 PMJack's BedtimeMom puts Jack to bed. George: complete evening checklist.

Screen Time Earning Criteria

Screen time is a privilege, not a right.

Jack's Criteria:

  • Behavior score of 7/10 or better at school = screen time earned

Charlie's Criteria:

  • Honoring his commitments:
    • Therapy once a week
    • Tutoring twice a week (Ms. Connolly)
    • One enrichment activity
    • One weekend sporting outing

Note about Charlie: He has become anxious about team sports this year, even though he used to love them. Approach with compassion, not pressure. The goal is to help him rebuild confidence.

Bedtime Routine Details

7:30 PM – Wind Down Begins

  • Dim all lights in the house
  • This signals to the boys' nervous systems that bedtime is approaching

7:30 - 8:00 PM – Baths & Hygiene

  • Both boys take baths (non-negotiable)
  • Both boys brush teeth (non-negotiable)
  • Pajamas on

7:45 PM – Bedside Setup (While Boys Finish Screen Time) George prepares each boy's bedside table:

  • Ice water (fresh, cold)
  • Box of tissues (refill if low)
  • Toothbrush with toothpaste already applied
  • Toothbrushing glass filled with water
  • Charlie's blue blanket on his bed
  • Charlie's Sleep Music playlist on Spotify
  • Jack's milkshake ready to give when screens go off

Note: Replace toothbrush heads every 4 weeks.

Boys' Sleep Setup:

Charlie's Bed:

  • Blue blanket on the bed
  • "Charlie's Sleep Music" playlist playing on Spotify

Jack's Bed (The "Igloo"): Jack sleeps in a specific layered setup — this order matters:

  1. Green fuzzy blanket (bottom layer, directly on Jack)
  2. Sheet
  3. Quilt
  4. Duvet arranged as an "igloo" over the top
  • Air purifier must be running

8:00 PM – Screens OFF

  • All devices off – no exceptions
  • Jack gets his Percy Jackson book to read
  • Charlie goes to bed with Mom

8:00 - 8:30 PM – While Mom Puts Charlie to Bed George's tasks:

  • Give Jack his milkshake (should already be prepared)
  • Take Disco for evening walk
  • Complete house tasks (dishes, tidy, lock up)

8:30 PM – Jack's Bedtime

  • Mom puts Jack to bed
  • George gives Jack his milkshake before bed
  • George completes evening checklist

Jack's PM Medications (at bedtime):

  • Guanfacine 1 mg
  • Lamotrigine 75 mg (1/2 of 150mg pill)

Transition Warnings

Kids with ADHD and anxiety need advance notice of transitions. Give warnings at:

Time BeforeWhat to Say
15 minutes"Hey, in 15 minutes we're going to [activity]."
10 minutes"10 minutes until [activity]."
5 minutes"5 more minutes, then we need to [activity]."
2 minutes"Almost time! 2 more minutes."

This is not optional. Sudden transitions cause dysregulation.