Having a daily routine is a great way for parents and children to work together throughout the day. When a child is given a routine, there’s also a sense of comfort and reassurance: they know what to do, where to do it, and when to do it. This means there’s less stress about the future and a better understanding of what comes next.
But not all children are ready to take on a new routine from the get-go. Whether it’s because they’re worried about not being able to do the things they have to do, or because they have a harder time following instructions, implementing a new routine in a child’s life takes a lot of patience.
If you’re looking to introduce a routine in your child’s life, here are four tips you might find useful to get started!
- Design the routine with your child
Let your child be an active participant in deciding what the routine is going to look like. When you give them the choice to decide what they want to do and when they want to do it, it will be easier to motivate them because they’ll have picked it themselves.
Plus, giving them the opportunity to decide will also let them know that you trust their capabilities and that they can achieve these things without the need to worry.
- Write it down
When planning a routine, it’s important that everything is explained as clearly as possible. One way to make sure this happens is by using a calendar that everyone in the family can see. These little reminders are helpful, especially when the routine is new and your child isn’t too familiar with it.
If your child can’t read yet, using visuals is a great way to also get them involved and help them visualize their day.
- Set realistic expectations
Implementing a new routine can be a scary – albeit exciting – moment for children and parents alike! That’s why it’s so important to keep in mind that adults must set realistic expectations when first getting started. If your child begins to feel stressed or overwhelmed, it’s more likely that they won’t be able to complete the tasks you hoped for.
Prioritize certain tasks and practice your routines slowly, calmly, and patiently. If something isn’t going the way you planned, speak to your child about why that’s happening and readjust the routine. Communication is essential to make sure that everyone feels at ease with what’s expected of them.
- Praise and support your child throughout the process
Everyone loves being told they’re doing a good jb, right? This is especially true for children who are learning or practicing something new. It’s important to understand that your child needs to feel supported throughout the process in order to continue doing a good job. If you’re constantly pointing out the things that they aren’t doing or that they’re doing wrong, they’ll start to feel less eager about trying them again.
Praise their effort – not just the result – and help them understand that simply trying and doing their best to perform a routine is already a wonderful achievement.
Why do routines matter?
Routines are great to help children feel more at ease. They’re also a great learning tool for children who are just beginning to understand certain complex subjects like responsibility, important life skills, and other healthy habits.
When it comes to creating a routine, it helps both parents and children feel more organized and understanding of what the day will bring, which also gives them more time to enjoy other important aspects of the relationship like playtime, family time, and beyond.
Routines are put in place to help!
Do you have any routines that you and your child practice at home? Tell me more about them in the comments! 🌞