17 Mar
2008
If you’re a parent, it’s likely you have some kind of routine going for yourself and your kids; or maybe you don’t. Are you the type of person who prefers spontaneity? Do you find it tiresome to be tied to a routine? Have you heard or read that having a routine is important for kids? It is my opinion that children thrive on routine.Most of us do better with some kind of structure in our lives. We like predictability. It gives us a sense of security. Children are no different. They like to know that when they wake up they can predict breakfast will be offered, then some sort of activity, then lunch and if they’re very young, a nap or a quiet time. They love it when they know what comes next. Every night after dinner is bath, a snack, stories, teeth then lights out. It might look something like that.
I’ve worked with parents who admit to me that they really don’t have a routine. Breakfast might be anywhere from 7am - 10am or lunch is whenever they feel like it and dinner is much the same. In between that time the TV is usually on and it’s just free play.
If your children are in any kind of childcare facility or preschool you’ll notice that “free play” is an important part of the day but it always takes place at a specific time. There is always a routine. The kids know that after free-play they have circle time and then they all wash their hands and that is followed by snack. They all know exactly what to expect. The program is designed that way because the teachers and childcare providers know that children thrive on routine.
Establishing a routine if you don’t already have one isn’t necessarily going to solve all your problems if you have problems, but it is one step that contributes significantly to a child’s sense of security. If you’re a parent who has never been used to routines, it can be difficult to make the adjustment if it isn’t your natural way of being. You’ll find though that both you and your children will benefit greatly when everyone can predict more or less what the day is going to look like. It doesn’t mean you can no longer be spontaneous or never step out of the box. It just means you have a general guide to follow to give you some structure to your day.
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