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Routines build self-confidence, curiosity, social skills, self-control, communication skills and more.
Routines create manageable expectations that allow children to build emotional resilience, such as saying goodbye to parents or carers each morning at drop-off.
Routines give children a sense of security and control over their environment. When life is organized and consistent at home, children feel safe, secure and looked after, especially during stressful times or during difficult stages of development.
Routine can significantly impact a child's cognitive development. Repetitive actions help form neural connections, enabling the brain to process information more efficiently. As children engage in daily activities, they improve their memory, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills.
In other words, routines help integrate children's learning with an “organized connection.”
When children are involved in a good routine not only do they feel confident and in control, they also learn to develop positive social skills as well as a sense of satisfaction in being able to do things for themselves. A regular routine brings comfort and consistency to a child’s life.
Creating a routine can help support a child and caregiver through difficult and often stressful transitions. Creating routines for transitions such as mealtimes, bedtimes, going to the grocery store or even getting ready to get out of the house, especially in the wintertime, can reduce anxiety and stress. Routines need repetition and consistency to work.
Daily routines look different for every family. The most important aspect is creating a routine that works for you and your family. When you are beginning to create routines at home, begin with creating small, attainable, and sustainable goals.
Samples of routines:
Health Benefits of having routines for the whole family:
Manage stress more effectively: Stress can put you at higher risk for heart disease and negatively impact your overall health. An effective routine can help reduce stress, which can lead to better mental health, more time to relax and less anxiety.
Sleep better: Routines like your sleep schedule and bedtime habits affect your mental sharpness, emotional well-being and energy. Maintaining consistent times for waking and going to bed can help you get better rest.
Eat healthier: Without scheduled time for grocery shopping, it is easier to have an unhealthy diet by ordering fast food or snacks since they are often a convenient option. Taking the time to plan trips to the grocery store gives you the opportunity to think about what healthy foods and meals you can incorporate into your everyday life.
Get active: It is easier to exercise regularly when you make time for it. A daily routine can help you stay active, and an exercise schedule or program can help you budget your time.
Resource:
A “first-then” board is a visual tool that is based on the principle that a child’s motivation to complete a less preferred activity is increased when it is followed by a more preferred activity. Using a first-then board will provide the child with a visual means of introducing routines, new tasks, activities, or events in a manner that the child understands and may be more motivated to complete. This tool assists with creating a structured and predictable environment for children. It helps children to become independent while mastering a routine set at home.
At Norwood Centre our team of qualified Early Childhood Development Subject Matter Experts work to provide tools that caregivers can use to support early childhood development. We hear you! If you have a question or concern, please ask us. We have a variety of Child Development Activities available on our website, find them at norwoodcentre.com/child-development-activities. For short-term one-on-one coaching, please call us at 780-471-3737.
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