The Value of Routines
As spring turns to summer, our ECFE classes begin discussing their planned activities for the warm weather. When asked about this, most parents will say that their children are enrolled in dance classes, summer sports, or YMCA activities. Parents know the value of routines in a child’s life. Even though summer is a time of relaxing and enjoying the simple pleasures, routines provide structure and security to children and parents.
Young children need and want to know what to expect at various times during their day. Routines can help toddlers accept transitions more easily, reducing resistance as they switch gears. For example, two-year-old Billy knows naptime follows lunch and; once he awakens, there will be playtime with Mom. This daily routine gives Billy comfort and contentment. The preschool years of rapid growth and learning can be a trying time for children as they navigate their world.
Daily rituals also strengthen the bond between parents and children. Children begin to understand what it is to trust and cooperate. Some daily rituals that encourage this include: reading books together, snuggling under the covers, picking up toys together, singing favorite songs or dancing to music.
Some important things to keep in mind when establishing routines is to offer choices when you can (to enhance independence), set limits like the number of books to read and time to go to bed. Remember to have fun and go with the flow sometimes. Often routines need to be fine-tuned periodically to meet the needs of an ever-changing toddler. When a child moves from crib to a regular bed, the bedtime rituals will change somewhat. While the specifics of a routine may change, the need for one never does. Children never really outgrow the desire for structure and security in their lives.
Jill Phillips
ECFE Parent Educator