Building a Routine Helps with Bonding
Routine is important for anyone–but it’s even more important for children. A routine can influence a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. It also helps kids feel more secure. Have you started a routine for your family?
Routine Creates Consistency
Establishing a routine creates a sense of normalcy, consistency, and comfort in your home. Daily routines also improve the cognitive ability of children. A proper routine may also play a significant role in the social and emotional growth of a child. Your routine may include:
- Morning routines of getting ready for the day
- Times to get up, bath times, mealtimes, nap times, bedtimes
- Household chores such as cooking and cleaning
- Playtime, family time, or physical activities like exercise
Building a Routine Establishes Security
Children have an innate fear of the unknown. If you’re constantly dragging your child from one place to the next, they may grow anxious. So, it is important your child knows what to expect.
Routine establishes social and emotional health. In a study of over 8,000 children, 47% of them had better social and emotional health when their families had solid daily and weekly routines.
Building a Routine Helps with Bonding
When you have a structured routine in place, you’ll often find that it helps with family bonding. Your routine is, to your child, a connection: a way to establish what it means to be part of your family.
Routines Can Help Improve Behavior
When a child knows what’s coming, they will often behave better. It’s hard on a child when they’re feeling as though they have been launched into the unknown.
When you have a solid routine in place, your child knows what to do next. They aren’t left waiting for cues or feeling anxious about what’s going to happen. Instead, they know what is expected of them and how to proceed.
Establishing routines for your family doesn’t happen overnight. You may need to consider your priorities and set clear daily routines first. Daily routines will help create consistency. Then decide on weekly routines that include activities to enhance your child’s life.
Want to learn more about how routines can help your child? Contact us today. Our swim classes are a great activity to add to any routine. They provide physical activity and cognitive development while teaching water safety.
