Importance of routine

Children who have parents who encourage routines and structure do best.

This can be one of the hardest challenges that families have but are so important.

Routines need to be regular, predictable and consistent.

Routines organise life and keep it from becoming chaotic.

Benefits of routines are:

They provide a sense of certainty and security for children.

They help children understand time and time management.

They help children get used to having chores.

It helps establish important habits – teeth brushing, hair brushing – all important for children’s health and wellbeing.

It strengthens relationships by focussing on time together.

They help you get better at doing things.

They’re useful for establishing boundaries and guidelines for preschoolers, as well as teaching good habits and improving efficiency. Important routines in household: Structured morning preparations and routines – getting up at the same time every day.

Structured meal time routines and snack times (children knowing what snacks are as opposed to meals). Important routine – sitting together, talking, sharing, no distractions, having responsibility and following rules. Parents also modelling expectations.

Structured bedtime routines: Structured play dates (knowing the process around playing at friends or having friends over). Routines don’t need to be boring. Children feel more comfortable and secure knowing that there is certainly and predictability in their lives.

Children thrive on repetition and routine.