Routines and behaviour

Some evenings kids will go to bed too late, we will eat junk food and the house will be a complete shambles with no routine.

let’s face it no one can follow a perfect routine all the time, nor should you.

Although, having said that, a routine is important. It just needs to be flexible.

There is no point trying to ‘enforce’ a rigid routine as some days things are either out of your control or need to be slightly different to accommodate what is happening on the day.

It is a smoother household if a child has some idea of what to expect and what happens within the house.

The best way to achieve this is with a routine. For example, you generally find that bedtimes are easier if you have a bedtime routine such as dinner, bath, story or quiet time and then bed.

Children need stability and consistency in their life, a good routine will provide them with this and the understanding of what to expect during the day.

Routines influence a child’s behaviour. Routines provide the sense of security a child craves. They influence the child’s emotional, cognitive and social development.

That is not to say that everyday must be the same but in terms of the basics of the day, such as the meals, sleep and so on then the more they remain the same or similar on a day to day basis then the more contented a child will be and the more you will find that they are settled.

It also allows predictability and security for a child. You will find that a child is less likely to have undesirable behaviours as they know what to expect.

It is recommended that as soon as you can get a baby into a routine the better and this then transcends right throughout their childhood.

Once a routine is set into place then the stress and ‘effort’ of the day to day tasks is reduced, such as the washing , cleaning etc is easier to keep on top of as there is order to the day and the household.

It will also provide a feeling of in control and you will feel you have more time to play and interact with your child.

• Routines guide positive behaviour.
• They help children with transitions. So if you find that your child is having trouble with the transition to bed for example then having a consistent calm bed time routine can assist the transition and provide the child with the information to know the process.
• Routines give children a sense of security and helps them develop self-discipline.
• It helps with changes. Change is a part of childhood but a routine will indeed help a child adjust as they are more likely to be able to handle change if it is expected and occurs in the context of a familiar routine.
• Routines provide structure and teaches kids how to constructively control themselves and their environments.
• Routines eliminate power struggles.
• They help kids cooperate.
• It reduces stress and anxiety.
• Provides for a better a relationship with you and your child.
• Helps children learn independence and take ownership of their activities. As the routine consistency continues the child will then start to take ownership such as remembering to brush their own teeth before bed, etc.
• Helps children learn the concepts such as looking forward.
• Helps them fall asleep easier, listen better, attend to meals more, etc.
• Routines help to maintain consistency and expectations.
• They provide comfort and a sense of safety to young children.