Routines Are Necessary And Important For The Whole Family

by Debbie Twomey on April 26, 2012

Routines are a very effective way of providing security, a peaceful atmosphere, good sleeping and eating patterns, and a general sense of well-being for children and parents. It can also mold and fortify the confidence that may be required to deal with anxiety. Routines can help children to flourish in all sections of their lives. It formulates a pattern that can teach time management and highlight attention for each child’s role in the family and in the world.
 
Most children crave routine though not all would readily agree.  There are some children who require routine much more than others for many reasons. Maturity, emotional issues, and different learning levels contribute to how much a child may actually crave routine. Still, a routine has so many benefits, for all family members.
 
Establishing routines from infancy will benefit all. Maintaining normal daily routines as much as possible, aids later in life when dealing with school, employment, and even a crisis. Schedules should be easy to understand. Being flexible can be key to successful timetables.
Routines should be adaptable as your child grows. A major change can be when they become teens and linking a milestone with an adjustment in rules can actually be an incentive and reward for accomplishment.
 
Establishing a routine should begin in infancy. Though an infant’s needs determine how often they eat or sleep, parents can implement certain habits that will become a routine for all concerned. Parents can use the time just before sleep to create a peaceful transition. Having a peaceful period of time just before sleep, along with reading, softly singing or humming or just rocking are ways to establish a nap/bedtime routine.
 
Once your child is awake for longer periods of time, you can now provide a sensible base in which to develop a newer progressive routine. Establishing bedtime habits, meal times, nightly patterns (clean up, brushing teeth) in a structured way can take the stress and worry out of wondering what is expected.  Children basically require structure, a sort of map to follow to keep them safe and thriving.
 
Meal time is another opportunity to set a routine. Studies have shown that sharing family meals goes a long way in creating an interactive family dynamic. Even toddlers benefit from routine at meal time such as setting a time to turn off TV, wash hands and assigning a chore (set table, get out utensils).
 
Children blossom with regularity and repetition. When your child knows what to expect in their home life and the interactions in their world they are actually able to grow more confident and self-reliant. Their life is more structured and easier to comprehend.
 
 
Benefits of Routines:
  1. Teach healthy habits to young children –washing hands after toileting and before meals, brush teeth, bedtime and curfews.
  2. Responsibility can be one lesson when we offer routines and certain chores to our children
  3. Security is reinforced with safety when a child’s world is predictably organized
  4. Expectation/routines can strengthen family bonds—like bed time readings, or special outings for chores being completed.
  5. Routines can set a child’s body “clock” –a healthy habit for the whole family
  6. Routines have been proven to balance stressful situations for children
  7. Familiarity can be instrumental in creating skills for time management, adjusting to school or work schedules and establishing a sense of accomplishment and self esteem for your child.    

 

 
 Flexible consistency— seems a more concise definition of how to choose and maintain routines from infancy through the teen years. Routines rule when they are understood, expected, respected and mature as your child matures.
 
In the world of work-at-home parents, all of these points are not only applicable but of great benefit to the parent as well. By establishing routines for your child, you are modeling a pattern that will work effectively for all concerned. This ethic is an immeasurable tool for the parent who needs to have time, energy, and space to complete their jobs. Routines are key components for succeeding in your business—it is how you will achieve your tasks; manage your time and your children while working in your home. It is a necessity for healthy, happy, and harmonious home.
 
 
 
 



 

 

"I have dedicated my life to the care and welfare of children. I feel privileged to share what I have learned with you. I am also committed to continuously learning.  I will keep informed of the latest information in parenting children from newborns to teens and pass it on to all of you.”   I will also use that same passion to help you create a dynasty generate increases in your business with straightforward and specialized media managing skills that guarantee your connection and scope will grow. Keep up to date reading our posts and discover valuable insights that can make parenting and succeeding in the business of the blogger– the most exciting adventure. (Debbie Twomey)

 

 

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Ebarbagallo April 27, 2012 at 7:32 pm

They free up time for you to think about other things while you work.
Regular and consistent routines can help you feel like you’re doing a good job as a parent.
When things are hectic, routines can help you feel more organised, which lowers stress.
A routine will help you complete your daily tasks efficiently.
As children get better at following a routine by themselves, you can give fewer instructions and nag less.
Routines free you from having to constantly resolve disputes and make decisions. If Sunday night is pizza night, no-one needs to argue about what’s for dinner.

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