Why Children LOVE Routine – Even when they seem hard!

The world today doesn't look like the world we knew in March 2020 when millions of Americans learned that coronavirus was here. Our routines were interrupted, and we had no control over the situation. Unfortunately, the lack of control we collectively felt as adults are very familiar to many children, especially those who have their lives interrupted through no fault of their own. During disruptions, routines can provide a sense of safety and help parents implement practices that align with their values.

In this blog post, I offer you three things to consider when creating routines for your child(ren).

Value-Based Routines:

Value-based parenting, is when you create a set of parenting values that act as the road map for how you parent. It is important that you make routines in your home that are a reflection of your values. For example, if you value open communication, you may schedule time each day to communicate openly with your children.

Include Children In The Process

The families and children I serve often ask me how they can support their children's emotional needs while providing structure. In most cases, the answer lies in getting the child's buy-in. Although this is sometimes easier said than done - it gets easier with practice. When creating routines, I encourage you to include your child(ren) in the process. No one likes to have decisions thrust upon them - including children. Developing a household routine with your child provides a safe space for you to talk about emotions and validate their feelings about the routine created.

Review The Schedule Daily

Many adults admit that daily updates about what was going on around them are helpful. This need to know and be reminded of what is happening is especially true for young children and adolescents. I suggest parents/caregivers review a child’s schedule with them daily for maximum buy-in and effectiveness. When routines become a habit, it doesn't hurt to check in periodically.

Make Schedule Visually Appealing

An essential tip for children is to make the routine visually appealing. Pull our some markers and crayons and create a fun looking routine for your child to see!

Contrary to how children may behave towards the thought of a schedule - children, like adults, benefit greatly when they know what's expected from them.

What routines do you create in your home?

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