Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and older children learn more and show us their best behavior in a well-ordered and predictable environment. Whether it is during play, nap, or school, knowing what will happen next gives children security and emotional stability. Therefore, creating routines in the family household can be very helpful to children and parents.
Routines are activities that happen at about the same time and in about the same way each day. Routines are a form of instructions—they direct children’s actions to a specific goal. For example, if morning time is a difficult time for your family, perhaps creating a set routine such as: you wake the children up, you help them brush their teeth, help them make their bed, and help them get dressed. Then, after children learn the routine, they will not need your help, because they have learned what is expected of them and how they complete those tasks. Some other ways to promote routines are to make routine charts. Use pictures of the child doing each task. This way you can help them see what you expect.
Each child’s classroom at Educare has classroom expectations and daily routine charts you can look at for inspiration.
