Think about your day-to-day life. Whether you immediately realize it or not, you probably have certain routines in place—big and small. While that doesn’t mean you have a set schedule you need to follow each day, there’s a good chance your little routines make you feel normal and centered.
The same goes for children.
In fact, routines might be even more important for kids than adults (with some flexibility allowed).
Not only will having a routine for your child make life easier for you, but it will help them in a variety of ways. You may have heard that routine is important for children before, but do you really know why? Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits your child can receive from a regular, daily routine.
Routines Offer Stability
It’s important for children of all ages to feel safe and secure in their environment. This is especially true for infants and toddlers. But it doesn’t go away as the child ages, either.
When a child understands everyday routines, they know what is expected of them and what to expect from the day. The environment becomes predictable and provides a sense of comfort to them. Not only will their surroundings become comfortable, but it’s a great way for them to build trust with you, or whoever their caregiver might be.
Routines Are Learning Opportunities
Routines don’t just make life easier for children. They also involve many teachable moments. You can include things in their daily activities like hand-washing or brushing their teeth. You can instill healthy habits in them at a very young age, simply by making them part of their normal, everyday life.
Over time, these little habits will help your child gain independence and confidence. They’ll learn how to do those things on their own. That kind of confidence can easily carry over into other areas of their life, letting them feel empowered when they face challenges.
When your child goes through their daily routine, they can also be comfortable enough to talk more. So, take advantage of opportunities for communication as often as possible.
You Can Enjoy a Calmer Household
When a routine is in place, everyone knows what to expect. That reduces stress (even on your child), and can create a calmer household, overall. Your child will also feel more valued and less likely to act out. Because they know what to expect daily, they also know that they’re included in those plans. It can help you avoid a lot of “temper tantrums” or other bad behaviors.
They Give Your Child Something to Look Forward To
Once a regular routine is established, your child will always have something to look forward to. Maybe Saturday mornings are for pancakes, or Friday nights are for pizza and movies. Maybe on Wednesday afternoons, you go to the park together to play.
When your child knows your regular routine, they’ll always have something to look forward to. They will also be more adaptable to subtle changes in those routines because they know you will get back to your regular schedule, eventually.
Because of that, you’re less likely to see them act out or experience a meltdown. It can better prepare them to be flexible, which is an incredibly important life skill.
There are so many additional benefits to having a routine for your child. You might not think of your regular routines as important, but they are making a bigger impact than you likely realize. So, do what you can to establish daily routines with your kids, and watch them become more independent, understanding, and flexible as they grow up.
Thankfully family therapy can help. Contact us for more information or to set up an appointment with one of our highly skilled therapists. Serenity EFTC offers family therapy in Colorado.