Routines

As adults, we have routines that center around our jobs and our families. They dictate a lot of things in our lives and children are no different. Routines help us stay healthy and also help us reduce stress. Here are a few ways you can use routines at home to benefit your child. Morning and evening routines Morning routines help your day start off on a good note because you know what to expect. Children having a consistent morning routine can help them have a sense of security and safety. A bedtime routine helps your child prepare to settle down both physically and mentally. Brushing their teeth, putting on pajamas, reading a book; these all help them feel safe and secure if done consistently. Stick to a sleep schedule Sometimes this is tricky for adults, depending on their jobs, but a regular sleep pattern is a benefit for children. Sleep is when our body and mind refreshes so trying to stick to a sleep schedule can help them concentrate and learn during the day. Visuals for a routine Having a visual for a routine, can help a child understand exactly what is expected of them. It’s also a great way to foster independence for young children and give them something they can accomplish on their own in the future. It can be something the child moves once completed or a tangible item for them to use on their own. Other ideas Depending on your family you can have routines for setting the table for dinner, taking a pet out for a walk or feeding a pet, or even for watering plants. Children are capable of helping with all of these things and as stated above it helps them become more independent and feel safe and secure. It can also give them a sense of accomplishment if you choose to use a routine as a checklist for them to complete. Routines can also help family bonds strengthen and give children a sense of confidence when they might master a task. What a great way to help your child feel good about themselves and learn self-help skills at the same time!