Routines in childhood
Routines are crucial for the development of children. Below we explain why respecting and considering the different learning paces is important as well as the essence of routines in childhood.
It is proven that routines provide security and benefit their way of behaving. A life without routines can lead to insecurity, as they do not know what will happen, leading to stress.
In contrast, a child who knows what will happen at each moment feels tranquillity in every situation and, therefore, shows greater independence in their actions.
BENEFITS THAT DEMONSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTABLISHING ROUTINES IN CHILDHOOD
They provide tranquillity and well-being to children.
They reduce anxiety and negative behaviours stemming from nerves and uncertainty about what to do or what is expected.
They can decrease the number of tantrums or conflicts that arise in daily life regarding things like bath time, bedtime, waking up, getting dressed, or homework.
They help foster autonomy and confidence.
They reinforce self-esteem and independence to start doing some tasks on their own.
They enhance understanding of the environment and, above all, assist in maturation.
HOW TO ESTABLISH ROUTINES
Each family will adopt a schedule according to their needs, but it is essential to consider some common aspects:
Have set meal times and a specific place. This way, the child will learn the rules for mealtime: not eating at irregular times, not getting up, etc.
Establish age-appropriate sleep schedules. Therefore, it is advisable to set bedtimes.
Leisure and play are important for young people and children; it's their time to unwind, but limits on screen time should be agreed upon to avoid overuse.
Designate a specific place for each task, play area, and eating area.
Remember that creating habits and routines in children is a process that requires patience and family effort to be successful.