Routines for kids can be hard to establish but they are SO important!
They take a lot of time and patience to get into place.
And just when you think you have a routine in place – some kind of emergency happens! Someone’s sick, you need to go to the store at the last minute, or you have bored kids.
Of course every day is different. We have a lot on our plate and we want to be flexible, but do you know why consistent routines for kids are important?
Having consistent routines have a lot of benefits to their growth and development. And to your peace and mind.
And it’s not as hard as you think. You just need to find ways to make it fit you and your child’s needs.
Most people follow two schedules: one for weekdays, and another schedule on weekends. If you’re still trying to decide what kind of schedule or routine to do, take some time to think about what works for you and your family. It can take some time to sort it out, but in the long run it’s worth it.
Here are some key benefits to following a routine:
Confidence Boost
Following a routine means accomplishing tasks throughout the day.
These accomplishments- no matter how big or small- help children feel better about themselves. Even a short morning routine can give a confidence boost for your child throughout the entire day.
Sense of Stability
Routines for kids provide consistency, which is something all children can thrive on.
Knowing what happens at what time can provide feelings of comfort, security, and stability to a child. Even those that cannot yet tell time begin to pick up on cues and have an idea of what is coming next.
Increase in Healthy Habits
When children get into routines, such as brushing their teeth every morning and night, it begins to build habits.
These habits can follow children into adulthood and then be passed to their own children. By creating and following routines, you give your children the opportunity to build habits that impact generations to come.
Less Chaos
Routines for kids can actually benefit the entire home.
First, they lead to way fewer arguments with children. For example, when children know that bedtime is coming because it’s consistent every day, there is less of a chance they fight to get out of it.
Second, routines help parents keep things flowing more smoothly.
It helps to make sure important things are done and that your family is cared for. It also gives parents the chance to add in family time that might otherwise be difficult to attain.
As you can see, routines can make a positive impact on your household. Fortunately, they do not have to be difficult to put in place. Start small, with just one habit or daily schedule.
For instance, start by setting a dinner time and letting your child help set the table. Once your family has made this dinner time a habit, add in a new one. Keep going until you have a full routine in place.
One thing we recommend to help with setting routines is a timer.
Be sure to check us out for more parenting tips as well as some enriching activities you can add to your routine. And join our Kids Move and Learn community to gain support and ideas from other parents like you.
Check out these sample routines for ideas to help establish a schedule for you and your child.
