Routines Rule

toddler fine motor skills

In our chaotic world, parenting young children can be challenging. We are all busy with everyday life. However, there is one important tool that we all can use: routines. Websters defines routine as: a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program, or the usual series of things that you do at a particular time. Routines provide several benefits. Routines build healthy habits, boosts confidence, encourage independence, enhance emotional regulation, and promote learning.

Builds Healthy Habits

Help young children create structure. A good foundation is key to building healthy eating habits, organizational habits and sleeping habits. Healthy mealtimes promote balanced nutrition, while bedtime routines encourage children to get adequate sleep needed for optimal growth. Cleaning up toys after playtime teaches children about responsibility and helps children create healthy organization and discipline. Tidying up after themselves helps children develop discipline and self-awareness.

Boosts Confidence & Independence

Empower children with confidence by helping them learn to adopt a sense of control and self-mastery. Participating in daily self-care regimens like chores, dressing themselves, and brushing their teeth helps with confidence and independence building.

Enhance Emotional Regulation

Children are learning to manage their emotions, and routines can help regulate them during escalating situations. Familiarity can lessen tensions and aid in reducing stress. Schedules also help children transition between activities.

Promote Learning 

Consistent scheduling such as bedtime stories, bath time, and family outings help foster communication and trust. Developing a systematic routine for daily activities helps children learn. Repetitive routines are a building block for development. Continuity provides memory retention, that reinforces concepts and skills, that translate in understanding over time.

Routines are not meant to control, or restrict a child, but rather to provide a framework for success. Routines rule because instilling routines promote stability, growth, learning, and independence in young children. 

This blog was created by Louisa Handy who is a current Child Development Associate (CDA) student with CDAClass.org. Louisa has a love for children and hopes to become a childcare director. She has a degree in psychology and enjoys serving her local church.