Parenting Resource. For most of us, our lives involve a series of patterns—routines we perform almost every day, like stopping at the same place each day for coffee on the way to work. This is also very true for babies and toddlers.
Consistent routines, activities that happen at about the same time and in about the same way each day, provide comfort and a sense of safety to young children.
Whether it is time to play, time for a snack, a nap, or a loved one to return, knowing what will happen next gives babies and toddlers security and emotional stability. It helps them learn to trust that caring adults will provide what they need. Stable routines allow babies and toddlers to anticipate what will happen next. Would you like to brush teeth now or after we get your pajamas on? But it is clean-up time now. Remember, after clean-up, it is snack-time.
Here is another example: Two-year-old George loves to play with his trucks in the afternoon as mom feeds baby Kira. When mom is done, it is time for them to pick up Dad at the bus stop. All the trucks have to be back in the bucket before they go. As babies grow, they come into contact with more people and begin to learn patterns and routines for social interaction. Greetings, good-byes, and chatting with others are examples of routine interactions that teach social skills.
These interactions are also opportunities to help our children develop language skills. Play-time and mealtime are two routines that are very social times for children and parents alike.
A simple daily routine provides a basis for children to learn other essential skills such as basic hygiene, time-management, self-control, self-care, responsibility, independence, and confidence.
Routines involve doing a lot of things together and while the tasks themselves might seem mundane, this can actually really help to strengthen family relationships. When building your ideal family routine, think about how you can create them around having fun or spending time together such as reading stories before bed or going somewhere for a treat after dance class or football practice.
These moments will become a special time for you and your child to share and will be remembered when they grow older and make their own traditions.
At Schoolhouse Daycare , we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! For example, the breakfast dishes can wait if there is an exciting animal in the backyard or a special Saturday carnival happening in the city. Remember to stay sensitive and adaptable to the needs of each child and adult. When a schedule becomes too regimented or strict, the benefits will be reduced, and children may feel controlled by it rather than freed by it which is the ultimate goal.
As Susan Newman, a social psychologist from New Jersey shares, routines can begin from the first day of life. They can be established and began at any point. The earlier you establish a routine, the better. Step 1: Establish the important times such as meal times, snack times, naptimes and bedtime. Because these affect how well your child is able to sleep and eat, these items should come first.
If you currently have no schedule, gradually move to a consistent routine. For example, you may wish to set up a regular naptime and bedtime first. Then, you can add in regular mealtimes and bath times. Setting a schedule may be hard for your child at first, but they will become accustomed to it.
For instance, you may wish to add in a regular 10 minute reading and snuggling time with your child before bed. This helps them wind down and feel ready to sleep. Step 4: Work toward consistency and make room for flexibility. A routine is meant to help the family, not hinder it. Be sure your routine is healthy and positive for your child and other family members.
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