Benefits of Establishing a Routine at Home/School

Whatever routine you decide to promote at home, remember that it takes time for children to learn and adapt to them. It might get hard as you try to establish a new routine, but try to stay positive and consistent, don’t give up. In the beginning your child might need visual support from you to learn a new routine. Allow these supports to gradually disappear as the need for them lessens. Even though routine might make your life and your child's life easier and more predictable, don't allow your children to become too attached to routines. It’s important that you help your child develop a little flexibility as well. Children’s fear of the unknown includes everything from a suspicious new vegetable on their plate, starting preschool, or making new friends. For better or worse, children are confronted with change daily, which gives them an opportunity to grow, but it can also be very stressful and challenging. Children, like the rest of us, handle change best if it is expected and occurs in the context of a familiar routine. A predictable routine allows children to feel safe and to develop a sense of mastery in handling their lives. Here are just a few benefits of using routines with your kids:

‍

• Routines help children learn to take charge of their own activities. Children love being in charge of themselves. Over time, kids learn to brush their teeth, pack their backpacks, dress themselves, and tie their own shoes.
• Regular routines help children get on a schedule. Regular routines help children get on a schedule, so that they fall asleep more easily at night and during naps.
• Schedules help parents maintain consistency in expectations. When everything is a fight, parents sometimes end up settling: skip brushing teeth for tonight, more screen time, etc. With a routine, parents are more likely to stick to healthy expectations for everyone in the family.
• Routines can bring you and your child closer together and reduce power struggles. Routines can also limit the amount of “no’s” and behavior corrections you need to give to your child throughout the day, since your child can better predict what is going to happen next. This will give your child confidence, and also a sense of control.
• Routines support and develop children’s social skills. Good-byes, and chatting with others are examples of routine interactions that teach social skills.
• Routines are satisfying for parents, too. Not only do routines and rituals make transitions easier for children—they also help parents feel less overwhelmed and stressed when faced with everyday challenges and busy work schedules.

‍

‍Here you can find an interesting article on why daily routine is important for your child.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍