Let’s admit it. Your life would be chaotic without a regular routine.
Imagine this. The alarm goes off. You turn it off and roll over. After sleeping for another hour or two, you get out of bed. Then you stroll to work halfway through the day. You come home late, and cook dinner when the kids should be in bed. As for the housework, you keep putting it off till the house is messy.
So, what’s the solution? Having a daily routine will make your household organised.
A routine is a regular pattern of events that takes place daily. To get your child in that daily pattern, you should have a set mealtime, sleep time, bath time, wake-up time, play time and quality family time together.
A regular routine does wonders for your child. It sets them up for a healthy balanced lifestyle.
They look to you for security. That security comes when they have a set pattern as part of their day-to-day life. It makes them feel in control. There are other benefits too. They develop good habits, organisational skills and have less temper tantrums.
Are you aware that regular routines and learning complement each other? That’s why the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) encourages routines as a standard part of your child’s life. According to the report, “The parents can help children by providing recognisable and predictable routines. These help children to predict and make connections in their experiences.” ~ Characteristics of Effective Learning (creating an thinking critically) Enabling Environments - (EYFS).
You also play an important role in the development of their emotional, personal and social skills. You can do this by, “providing familiar, predictable routines, including opportunities to help with appropriate tasks, e.g. dusting, setting tables or putting toys away.” ~ Personal, Social and Emotional Development (30-50 months) Enabling Environment (what adults could provide) - (EYFS).
Let’s look at how to develop some of the most important routines:
A sleep routine
A study carried out on more than 10,000 children by The University College London identified that irregular bedtimes have a negative effect on their health and behaviour.
“Children who do not have a regular bedtime are more likely to suffer behavioural problems, according to new research. Erratic bedtimes can cause a similar effect to jet lag and the longer youngsters go without regular bedtimes, the greater the impact on their behaviour, experts found. They believe going to bed at different times could disrupt natural body rhythms and cause sleep deprivation. In turn, this undermines the way the brain matures and the ability to regulate some behaviours.” ~ The Daily Mail.co.uk
The study also found that children (aged 3 to 5) who settled into a regular bedtime pattern showed an improvement in their behaviour.
Professor Yvonne Kelly, from UCL's department of epidemiology and public health stated, “We know that early child development has profound influences on health and well-being across the life course. It follows that disruptions to sleep, especially if they occur at key times in development, could have important lifelong impacts on health.”
If your child goes to bed late and has to get up early for nursery, they’ll be tired the next day. They’ll find it hard to concentrate at nursery. And they will probably be grouchy and whiny.
“Children are creatures of habit and very much depend on a routine to feel secure and function well. Kids fall apart when you change their sleep schedule. They need at least 12 hours.” ~ Bonnie Slade
Some older children don’t like to go to bed early. They’ll do all they can to stay up. For some reason, they think they’ll miss out by going to bed. Watching TV is a much more appealing activity at nights.
That’s why it’s best to start a sleep routine when they’re a few months old. Have a set time for them to go to bed each night. And stick to it. Read them a book in bed or tell them a nice story to get them settled.
When they do the same ritual night after night, it will eventually become a part of them. They’ll know what to expect. And in the end they’ll stop fussing so much. And you’ll be less stressed.
Bath time and teeth brushing routine
Does your child enjoy bath time? A lot of children resist this time. They try all the tricks they can, to avoid getting in the bath. The harder you try, the more stressed you get. So, what do you do?
Make it fun for them. If you've got a baby or toddler, put colourful bath toys in the water. If you haven’t got any, be creative. What do you have in the kitchen that you can use? Something like a measuring jug to scoop up water will keep them amused.
Get them involved in the preparation process. Allow them to choose their pyjamas or nightdress. Let them decide which toys they want to play with. They can also get their towel ready for when they come out of the bath. Children love it when you include them in activities. It makes them feel important. They’ll look forward to bath time, if you make them a part of the routine.
Did you know you can start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they come through? Some babies cut their first tooth at 4 months old.
To clean their first teeth, wet a small piece of gauze. Squeeze out the excess water and wipe the plaque from their teeth and gums. When they develop more teeth, use a small, soft toothbrush with a couple of rows. Brush their teeth when they wake up in the morning. And at the end of the day before they go to bed. Your baby will get used to this habit and it will become a part of their bath time routine.
A regular bath time and teeth brushing routine, is the start of their journey towards developing personal health hygiene.
Wake-up time routine
Some children are naturally early risers. Others will roll over and pull the covers over their heads because they want to stay in bed.
It’s important to start a morning routine with your child. You could create a chart of the morning activities. Write down the sequence of things they need to do after they wake up. And have a set time for waking them up.
If your child hasn’t started reading yet, use pictures instead of words. For example, a picture of a tube of toothpaste will mean ‘time to brush your teeth’. So, the plan could be, after waking up, brush your teeth, wash your face and hands (or have a bath if that’s what you prefer), get dressed, have breakfast and then travel to the nursery.
Reward them for cooperating. Give them a star to put on their chart. At the end of the week, buy them their favourite treat for being good by following the routine. It will put a smile on their face and motivate them to carry on.
Meal time routine
There’s a saying, ‘The family that eats together, stays together.’ Having meals around the table (with toddlers in their high chair) is a lovely bonding family time.
To make this routine run smoothly, let your child know that dinner will be ready 5 minutes before you serve the food. That will give them enough time to wash their hands. Also, encourage them to help with getting the utensils ready before they sit down.
As part of this routine, your older child can help with the cooking (a simple meal) once or twice a week. It’s best to stick to the same days. To make your toddler feel involved, give them a wooden spoon and an old pot to play with.
Cooking will develop their learning skills. It will also help them to get used to cooking. But keep them away from the cooker, hot food, hot pots, hot water, sharp utensils and anything else that can hurt them.
Use this time for an opportunity to develop good nutritional habits. Introduce healthy food as part of their diet from an early age. Put vegetables on your plate and their’s as well. Make it look pretty by combining peas, sweet corn, carrots and cauliflower. These colours look attractive on a plate. Encourage them to try it. Even if it’s only a few bites.
By sticking to this routine daily, they’ll know when it’s dinner time.
Play time routine
This isn't about restricting your child to a particular time to play. It’s about you playing with them to help their learning development. During play time you can incorporate reading to your child, teaching them the alphabet and showing them how to count.
In an article, ‘What is a Play Routine?’ Kimberly Scanlon talks about the benefits. She said, “A play routine is a purposeful way of playing and interacting with a child that follows a simple sequence. It involves predictability, repetition, and of course, lots of fun, Many toddlers like knowing what to expect because it gives them a sense of comfort, security and control. When toddlers can anticipate what comes next, they are most likely to socially interact and communicate. Having a routine implies that there is some repetition. Also, repetition is not boring to toddlers. Have you ever noticed that your child likes to read the same book over and over again?” You can read the rest of the article here: www.mytoddlertalks.com
For young babies, playtime should be adapted to suit appropriate stages of their development, as quoted in the EYFS. “Engage in playful interactions that encourage young babies to respond to, or mimic, adults. Follow the baby’s lead by repeating vocalisations, mirroring movements and showing the baby that you are ‘listening’ fully. Notice when babies turn away, signalling their need for less stimulation.” ~ Development Matters in The Early years Foundation Stage
Having regular play times, will strengthen your relationship with your child.
Family time routine
It’s important to take time out to focus on your child and have fun. If you’re out at work all day, family time is when you can give them your full attention. Quality time spent together will make your relationships stronger.
Set a day or few hours aside each week to treat yourselves. It could be a trip to a museum, adventure park, the cinema, eating out, bowling or a walk to the park. Staying at home is fun as well. Read a book together, watch a DVD, make popcorn, play a game or whatever.
Use this time to relax and let your hair down. Reawaken your childhood. Laugh and enjoy yourself. Let your child see how much you love being with them. It’s essential that you make this a regular time to get together each week. Children grow fast. Cherish each moment you can with them.
Washing hands routine
Bacteria live in places like bathrooms. It’s important to show your child how to wash their hands after every visit to the toilet. Explain to them that bacteria is not nice. Encourage them to wash their hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
To make it fun for them and develop a routine, make a poster and put it in the bathroom where they can see it.
Here is an example poster below:
1. Turn on the tap.
2. Put your hands under the tap to wet them.
3. Rub the soap over the front and back of your hands.
4. Put your hands under the tap and wash all the soap off.
5. Turn off the taps.
6. Dry your hands with a towel.
Routines are for organising members of the family. Each person will know what to do, when they should do it, how often and the order in which it should be done. However, routines shouldn’t be set in stone. Review them regularly to make sure they still suit your family. As your child grows, you might have to juggle the routines around. There will also be a time when they’ll be old enough to look after themselves. And take on more responsibilities. You also have to make allowances for major changes like a new baby, new job or moving house.
Please read and think about the questions below. We would love to hear your answers.
· Do you think having a regular routine can make a difference in your
child’s behaviour?
· Will it help them learn better at nursery?
· Will it make your life less stressful?
· Can you add anything else to this list?
Imagine this. The alarm goes off. You turn it off and roll over. After sleeping for another hour or two, you get out of bed. Then you stroll to work halfway through the day. You come home late, and cook dinner when the kids should be in bed. As for the housework, you keep putting it off till the house is messy.
So, what’s the solution? Having a daily routine will make your household organised.
A routine is a regular pattern of events that takes place daily. To get your child in that daily pattern, you should have a set mealtime, sleep time, bath time, wake-up time, play time and quality family time together.
A regular routine does wonders for your child. It sets them up for a healthy balanced lifestyle.
They look to you for security. That security comes when they have a set pattern as part of their day-to-day life. It makes them feel in control. There are other benefits too. They develop good habits, organisational skills and have less temper tantrums.
Are you aware that regular routines and learning complement each other? That’s why the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) encourages routines as a standard part of your child’s life. According to the report, “The parents can help children by providing recognisable and predictable routines. These help children to predict and make connections in their experiences.” ~ Characteristics of Effective Learning (creating an thinking critically) Enabling Environments - (EYFS).
You also play an important role in the development of their emotional, personal and social skills. You can do this by, “providing familiar, predictable routines, including opportunities to help with appropriate tasks, e.g. dusting, setting tables or putting toys away.” ~ Personal, Social and Emotional Development (30-50 months) Enabling Environment (what adults could provide) - (EYFS).
Let’s look at how to develop some of the most important routines:
A sleep routine
A study carried out on more than 10,000 children by The University College London identified that irregular bedtimes have a negative effect on their health and behaviour.
“Children who do not have a regular bedtime are more likely to suffer behavioural problems, according to new research. Erratic bedtimes can cause a similar effect to jet lag and the longer youngsters go without regular bedtimes, the greater the impact on their behaviour, experts found. They believe going to bed at different times could disrupt natural body rhythms and cause sleep deprivation. In turn, this undermines the way the brain matures and the ability to regulate some behaviours.” ~ The Daily Mail.co.uk
The study also found that children (aged 3 to 5) who settled into a regular bedtime pattern showed an improvement in their behaviour.
Professor Yvonne Kelly, from UCL's department of epidemiology and public health stated, “We know that early child development has profound influences on health and well-being across the life course. It follows that disruptions to sleep, especially if they occur at key times in development, could have important lifelong impacts on health.”
If your child goes to bed late and has to get up early for nursery, they’ll be tired the next day. They’ll find it hard to concentrate at nursery. And they will probably be grouchy and whiny.
“Children are creatures of habit and very much depend on a routine to feel secure and function well. Kids fall apart when you change their sleep schedule. They need at least 12 hours.” ~ Bonnie Slade
Some older children don’t like to go to bed early. They’ll do all they can to stay up. For some reason, they think they’ll miss out by going to bed. Watching TV is a much more appealing activity at nights.
That’s why it’s best to start a sleep routine when they’re a few months old. Have a set time for them to go to bed each night. And stick to it. Read them a book in bed or tell them a nice story to get them settled.
When they do the same ritual night after night, it will eventually become a part of them. They’ll know what to expect. And in the end they’ll stop fussing so much. And you’ll be less stressed.
Bath time and teeth brushing routine
Does your child enjoy bath time? A lot of children resist this time. They try all the tricks they can, to avoid getting in the bath. The harder you try, the more stressed you get. So, what do you do?
Make it fun for them. If you've got a baby or toddler, put colourful bath toys in the water. If you haven’t got any, be creative. What do you have in the kitchen that you can use? Something like a measuring jug to scoop up water will keep them amused.
Get them involved in the preparation process. Allow them to choose their pyjamas or nightdress. Let them decide which toys they want to play with. They can also get their towel ready for when they come out of the bath. Children love it when you include them in activities. It makes them feel important. They’ll look forward to bath time, if you make them a part of the routine.
Did you know you can start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they come through? Some babies cut their first tooth at 4 months old.
To clean their first teeth, wet a small piece of gauze. Squeeze out the excess water and wipe the plaque from their teeth and gums. When they develop more teeth, use a small, soft toothbrush with a couple of rows. Brush their teeth when they wake up in the morning. And at the end of the day before they go to bed. Your baby will get used to this habit and it will become a part of their bath time routine.
A regular bath time and teeth brushing routine, is the start of their journey towards developing personal health hygiene.
Wake-up time routine
Some children are naturally early risers. Others will roll over and pull the covers over their heads because they want to stay in bed.
It’s important to start a morning routine with your child. You could create a chart of the morning activities. Write down the sequence of things they need to do after they wake up. And have a set time for waking them up.
If your child hasn’t started reading yet, use pictures instead of words. For example, a picture of a tube of toothpaste will mean ‘time to brush your teeth’. So, the plan could be, after waking up, brush your teeth, wash your face and hands (or have a bath if that’s what you prefer), get dressed, have breakfast and then travel to the nursery.
Reward them for cooperating. Give them a star to put on their chart. At the end of the week, buy them their favourite treat for being good by following the routine. It will put a smile on their face and motivate them to carry on.
Meal time routine
There’s a saying, ‘The family that eats together, stays together.’ Having meals around the table (with toddlers in their high chair) is a lovely bonding family time.
To make this routine run smoothly, let your child know that dinner will be ready 5 minutes before you serve the food. That will give them enough time to wash their hands. Also, encourage them to help with getting the utensils ready before they sit down.
As part of this routine, your older child can help with the cooking (a simple meal) once or twice a week. It’s best to stick to the same days. To make your toddler feel involved, give them a wooden spoon and an old pot to play with.
Cooking will develop their learning skills. It will also help them to get used to cooking. But keep them away from the cooker, hot food, hot pots, hot water, sharp utensils and anything else that can hurt them.
Use this time for an opportunity to develop good nutritional habits. Introduce healthy food as part of their diet from an early age. Put vegetables on your plate and their’s as well. Make it look pretty by combining peas, sweet corn, carrots and cauliflower. These colours look attractive on a plate. Encourage them to try it. Even if it’s only a few bites.
By sticking to this routine daily, they’ll know when it’s dinner time.
Play time routine
This isn't about restricting your child to a particular time to play. It’s about you playing with them to help their learning development. During play time you can incorporate reading to your child, teaching them the alphabet and showing them how to count.
In an article, ‘What is a Play Routine?’ Kimberly Scanlon talks about the benefits. She said, “A play routine is a purposeful way of playing and interacting with a child that follows a simple sequence. It involves predictability, repetition, and of course, lots of fun, Many toddlers like knowing what to expect because it gives them a sense of comfort, security and control. When toddlers can anticipate what comes next, they are most likely to socially interact and communicate. Having a routine implies that there is some repetition. Also, repetition is not boring to toddlers. Have you ever noticed that your child likes to read the same book over and over again?” You can read the rest of the article here: www.mytoddlertalks.com
For young babies, playtime should be adapted to suit appropriate stages of their development, as quoted in the EYFS. “Engage in playful interactions that encourage young babies to respond to, or mimic, adults. Follow the baby’s lead by repeating vocalisations, mirroring movements and showing the baby that you are ‘listening’ fully. Notice when babies turn away, signalling their need for less stimulation.” ~ Development Matters in The Early years Foundation Stage
Having regular play times, will strengthen your relationship with your child.
Family time routine
It’s important to take time out to focus on your child and have fun. If you’re out at work all day, family time is when you can give them your full attention. Quality time spent together will make your relationships stronger.
Set a day or few hours aside each week to treat yourselves. It could be a trip to a museum, adventure park, the cinema, eating out, bowling or a walk to the park. Staying at home is fun as well. Read a book together, watch a DVD, make popcorn, play a game or whatever.
Use this time to relax and let your hair down. Reawaken your childhood. Laugh and enjoy yourself. Let your child see how much you love being with them. It’s essential that you make this a regular time to get together each week. Children grow fast. Cherish each moment you can with them.
Washing hands routine
Bacteria live in places like bathrooms. It’s important to show your child how to wash their hands after every visit to the toilet. Explain to them that bacteria is not nice. Encourage them to wash their hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
To make it fun for them and develop a routine, make a poster and put it in the bathroom where they can see it.
Here is an example poster below:
1. Turn on the tap.
2. Put your hands under the tap to wet them.
3. Rub the soap over the front and back of your hands.
4. Put your hands under the tap and wash all the soap off.
5. Turn off the taps.
6. Dry your hands with a towel.
Routines are for organising members of the family. Each person will know what to do, when they should do it, how often and the order in which it should be done. However, routines shouldn’t be set in stone. Review them regularly to make sure they still suit your family. As your child grows, you might have to juggle the routines around. There will also be a time when they’ll be old enough to look after themselves. And take on more responsibilities. You also have to make allowances for major changes like a new baby, new job or moving house.
Please read and think about the questions below. We would love to hear your answers.
· Do you think having a regular routine can make a difference in your
child’s behaviour?
· Will it help them learn better at nursery?
· Will it make your life less stressful?
· Can you add anything else to this list?
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