Why is routine important for babies

All families need some type of routine to establish normalcy, a way to get things done and a sense of security. While change is a learning opportunity, it can also be stressful for children. While daily routines look different across neighbourhoods, Australia and the entire globe, the most important aspect is creating a routine that works for you and your family. Here are 10 reasons a daily routine is important for your child:.

This strengthens shared values, beliefs and interests. The child, for example, might notice that eating breakfast together on Saturday mornings is important.

They can see that family time together is special. Even if your child is young, they will pick up on these traditions. The family bonds together by doing regular, important things together. Children begin to expect and complete activities without issue. Because the child, and other family members, know what to expect, stress and anxiety are reduced.

The child will know what comes next. They will take pride in knowing what they are supposed to do — and doing it by themselves. And the way you give specific actions to take, with suggested words! I often find myself thinking when reading about parenting, "But how exactly do I implement that???? This website does not leave me hanging.

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Thank you so much for this great advice! Be prepared to be flexible. Just when you get comfortable with one routine, your child may decide she's ready to move on. Elizabeth Cooper, of Brooklyn, New York, remembers the morning her thenmonth-old daughter, Lila, said goodbye to her regular 10 a. With small babies under 9 months , biology is often to blame: If your infant is sleepy and agitated at bath time, she may need an earlier bedtime.

Testing the rules. By around 18 months, toddlers have a good idea of what is supposed to happen -- and may want to change things just to test out their own power. Your child is more likely to cooperate if you let her win part of the battle. Bedtime itself may be non-negotiable, for instance, but what pajamas she wears can be her call. Mix it up. From 2 years on up, a little dose of variety can go a long way in keeping kids engaged in a routine that's gone stale.

This might mean adding a silly song about brushing teeth to the getting-ready-for-preschool ritual, for example. At this age, "Parents use routines to gain cooperation," says Dr. By Jacqueline Burt Wang. Be the first to comment!

No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for. The key is allowing for exceptions to the schedule, but understanding when it's time to get back on track. Maybe you go to the concert, but are prepared to leave early if he's exhausted. You are open to making exceptions to the rules, but flexible if it doesn't work.

If you break the evening routine too often, however, your child may have trouble winding down for bedtime. While she advocates strongly for bedtime routines, Schneeberg cautions against providing too much assistance in getting your child to sleep.