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.
- Bathtime is Science Time!
- Setting Goals for your Child to Help them Grow and Learn
- 3 Things Toddlers and Preschoolers Need to be Ready for School!
- Sensory Play: How does melting ice teach critical thinking skills?
- Summer Activity Calendar for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Common Questions Moms Ask:
What are Preschool Activities to Do At Home?
Preschoolers love to build, explore and be creative. Activities that follow their ideas and give them the chance to build, or create can give hours of fun. Providing materials they can use themselves like blocks, boxes or red cups like this activity will give lots of fun. Or if you put things like paint, glue, yarn, paper and scissors on the table it helps them build independence.
What Parenting Skills are Most Important?
The most important skill in parenting is being able to be aware of the child’s needs, wants and their interests.
Being present and available to monitor their safety is important. It doesn’t always mean to play, but it means that you are able to step in when it is needed. If you’re wanting them to learn more, then showing them how to do something can be helpful.
Sometimes it’s done through play, and sometimes it’s done by modeling it. For example, you can teach how to get dressed with costumes, or you can just show them with daily clothes as you get ready each day. Check out this page to learn more on how to get Behavior You Love.