Routines are important to help provide structure and security in the lives of children. Though the same routine can become boring and mundane in the lives of adults, children need the repetition of a routine to help them feel secure. From the day your child is born, you begin to introduce schedules and routines into their lives. Your baby normally has regular feeding and nap times and thrives from the routine of it all.
As your child grows older, he becomes accustomed to the day to day routines and schedules that you have established as a pattern in his life. If your child has had steady routines through the different developmental stages in life, the he/she grows up secure in the knowledge of that routine. They know what to expect and what is going to happen on a daily basis, and this helps them to become more confident and independent. Children who do not have set routines and schedules can develop problems such as anxiety. And you may notice that when your own child's routine is disrupted that he can become somewhat irritable and/or insecure.
Besides all of the other normal schedules in your child's life – school, extracurricular activities, church, etc, - another good routine to for your children and family as a whole is an established meal time. It can be difficult in today's hectic world, but sitting down regularly as a family gives both you and your children the opportunity to share and discuss feelings and concerns. You can also use this established meal as an opportunity to help your child become more responsible. Some ideas include allowing your child to help prepare the meal, set and clear the table, and do the dishes afterward.
Though you may think that your child is too exhausted at the end of the day for normal bedtime routines, it is not a good idea to skip these routines. These bedtime rituals help your child to wind down after a busy day and allow both you and your child to decompress. Your child actually thrives on and looks forward to these evening routines with you. It means that they get to spend a little quality time with Mommy or Daddy and it helps them sleep more comfortably and securely.
Though routines are an essential part of your child's life, you should also allow for some flexibility in the schedule at times. These times may include when you are on vacation, have had a late night out with the family, or maybe have had unexpected company. The way in which you handle these routine disruptions will dictate how your child responds. If you are frustrated or angry, then your child will mirror your own emotions. However, if you are cool and collected, then your child will be also. It is important to allow your child to see that an occasional disrupted routine is not cause for alarm. In this way, your child becomes prepared for unexpected events, but still know know routine will eventually return.
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