Creating a routine for your kids has an abundance of benefits for them and you! You may think that having a routine is dull, but it works to make your life much more functional and your kids much more content and confident. 

 

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Some of the advantages of a routine for your kids include the following.

Self-discipline

A routine gives your kids a better understanding of what time should be spent playing. Moreover, what time needs to be spent, for instance, focusing on eating their dinner—or doing their homework. 

 

Without limits, the line between essential tasks and play becomes blurred, which may lead kids to overindulge in activities like watching too much TV. Or otherwise, spending too much time playing when they should be getting ready for bed.

Reduces Anxiety

A stable routine is essential to help children thrive. A secure environment and a consistent routine all contribute to helping your child build predictable expectations about what they'll be doing each day. 

 

However, it's essential not to expect your children will know what to do until they've become accustomed to the routine. And so, for a while, talk them through what they'll be doing each day and also chat about what they'll be doing in the following days too.

 

For instance, if you've booked a checkup at the Bond Family Dentistry practice the following day, let your little one know in advance. In doing so, you can save the risk of a sudden surge of anxiety and worry that can occur when surprise events arise. 

 

Preparing your child mentally for situations like these and detailing what to expect. Is all a part of creating a routine and life for your youngsters that is comfortably predictable and feels safe.

 

It creates a sense of security for children and can reduce the risk of anxiety or stress. Both of which can be spurred on by an unbalanced routine and not knowing what they're expected to do at each time of the day.

Practice Self-Care

Part of any child's routine will include bath time, brushing their teeth and hair, and putting on clean clothes or pajamas. 

 

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Regularly doing these simple tasks ingrains the necessity and importance of personal hygiene into your children's habits.

 

Exposing them to self-care tasks will give them the know-how and confidence to do it themselves too. And eventually, their self-care routine won't need instigating. It'll become a habit, and they'll start doing it all by themselves. 

How To Create A Routine For Your Kids 

Each family has different ways of doing things. And so it's not helpful to give parents a template routine to follow to the letter. 

 

Instead, it's better if parents look at how they can create a routine for their children that works for them.

 

For example, some parents may be really active and want their children to go to sports clubs and out hiking most days. At the same time, other parents may be homebodies and like to spend most of their evening in the week relaxing at home. 

 

It's essential to create a realistic routine for everyone. But, if your routine doesn't go to plan, don't beat yourself up. It may just need adjusting or take some time to stick with everyone in the household. 

 

Some suggestions for things you might want to consider adding or arranging time for in your youngsters routine include the following;

 

• Mealtime

• Religious activity 

• Family visits

• House chores

• Personal hygiene

• Family time 

• Outdoor fun 

• Unique family traditions

• Joint hobbies

• Homework 

• Free time

 

As detailed above, a stable routine can have an incredible impact on your child's life. And will help them to become well-rounded individuals who feel confident and are independent. Creating health habits along the way will enable your kids to take that routine into their adult life too.

 

But, beyond a routine, it helps if there's free time in between for the kids and you to do as you please. Whether they want to make crafts, play in the back garden, or ask you to bake cupcakes with them. 

 

It helps for children to have segments of free time that they have some control over. It allows them to exercise their voice, wants, and needs. While also using their imagination to think of new and fun things to do with their time. As such, take time to entertain their ideas and do what they want to do sometimes.