How do you set a daily routine for kids? The best schedule should be such that it works for them and you. It should help your children be productive, disciplined and help them build some important decision-making skills. Also, it should make them inculcate good habits and invite peace to their minds and home. In this post, we bring you some benefits of a healthy routine for children, along with some tips to help you set it wisely.
Importance Of Routine For Children
Establishing a daily routine for your children is crucial as it teaches them to manage time and gives them the confidence to perform daily tasks independently. Besides, it also brings uniformity to your daily life. Read on as we tell you why you should encourage your child to set a daily routine.
1. Helps children imbibe healthy habits
Establishing a set daily routine helps your children imbibe healthy habits such as washing hands, brushing teeth, combing hair, doing homework, cleaning the room, and getting dressed. Developing a habit takes practice and repetition, and often, you have to beg them to do their tasks. Thus, setting a routine encourages and guides them to complete these chores or imbibe certain habits that will stay with them until adulthood.
2. Reduces parental exhaustion
When a family establishes a routine, life runs more smoothly, and the family gets more time to bond. Setting up a routine at home can help all members become more organized and lower your stress levels. It also allows children and parents to find free time to play, relax, or be creative. Having fun or spending time together promotes a sense of belonging and improves family relationships. A consistent routine will also help your child become more independent once they have developed a habit of following it with less supervision or help from their parents or elders.
3. Helps manage screen time
Using less social media and reducing screen time can give children more time to go outside and get some physical activity. It is essential to manage the time that children spend on social media platforms. Allot a set time for your child to spend on their phone as a part of their routine. For instance, you could allow them to do this after they complete a piece of schoolwork. This will teach your child the importance of taking the time away from their screens and value the time they have.
4. Makes children responsible
A set routine accustoms your children to know what they need to do. Whether it is a chore or an activity, they would know their responsibilities, and they do not have to be reminded repeatedly. This also helps you instill a sense of independence in children.
5. Makes a child’s bedtime easy
It’s not easy to get your children to go to bed. Daily schedules and bedtime rituals play a huge role in helping them get good sleep and function at their best. Sleepiness can affect your child’s ability to pay attention and perform day-to-day activities. A routine also helps set your child’s body clock, allowing your child’s body to know when it is time for bed.
Tips To Set A Daily Routine For Your Child
You could start establishing a routine from when your child is still a toddler. Here are a few tips for setting a daily routine for your child.
- Involve your child in decision-making. Discuss with them and plan out a routine that works for you and them.
- Some children may not like the idea of following a schedule. If your child is one, involve them in some fun learning activities. You could also make handmade or printed routine charts that appeal to them.
- Ensure the routine is realistic and fits your child’s age. Explain the routine to your child and ensure they understand what you want them to do and when. Also, assist them in their routine until they build a habit of doing it on their own.
- Create visual routine charts or cards that will help remind your child of what to do. Place them at appropriate places or in every room so that they are noticeable to everyone at home. Encourage them to refer to the chart after each activity.
- If your child is unable to complete a specific task within the schedule, break the process into smaller steps.
- Have a method to indicate when each step has been completed by using a checkmark, sticker, etc.
- Provide positive feedback or offer praise whenever they complete a task or show good behavior.
- When you set up a schedule, ensure your child knows what to do each part of the day. For example, your child should know what to do each morning, such as brushing teeth, taking a bath, getting dressed, combing hair, having a healthy meal, etc.
- Make sure the evening routine includes making the bed, packing bags, sorting out clothes, and arranging school uniforms to save time in the morning.
- Be flexible with the routines during the weekends or school holidays. You could let them sleep in a bit later, spend a little more time with friends, etc.
