Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks

The recent series of long weekends has completely thrown out our concept of what day it is and why Monday still exists.

I bet you and your kids are feeling the same way.

Need to establish some structure in your household again? Here’s how – and why – to create a routine for your kids.

Why do kids need routine?

Children need routine for the same reasons as adults. It gives them goals to work toward, predictability and a clear line between work and play.

Without structure, kids can struggle to understand boundaries. They can find settling into tasks – at school or at home – difficult. This can lead to issues like behaviour problems or lack of concentration.

And heck, a solid before-school routine sure does make getting out the door in the morning less stressful for everyone involved!

When does routine needed?

Routine isn’t just about making life run more efficiently in your household. There are many reasons for implementing a routine for kids in your home.

You might need to create a routine if:

• You aren’t having enough fun time with your children. A routine can allow you to schedule in one-on-one family fun.
• There is a common and recurring source of conflict in your family. How many times do you fight over who showers first? A routine can fix that.
• The division of tasks across your house is becoming too much for one family member. A routine that involves chores can ease the burden on mum and dad, and give your kids a sense of responsibility.
• You always have trouble getting through a particular aspect of the day. School mornings, anyone?

How to create a routine

Routine starts with you

You are the ultimate role model for your kids. You need to be the enforcer of routine and follow it to the dot.

This can be easier said than done in the early days of a new routine. There will be fights, tantrums and a few moments where you will want to throw in the towel.

But kids won’t get there on their own. You need to be the guiding light in their lives and stick to a routine as strictly as you hope them to do so down the track. Sooner or later it will pay off.

Set a bedtime

You know how grumpy, frustrated or hazy you feel after a lack-lustre night’s sleep?

Despite their seemingly endless supply of energy and constant reassurance that “no, I’m not tired!”, kids are exactly the same.

As much as they may object, it is important to get your kids into bed at a consistent time, every night.

How can you do this?

• Create a step-by-step bedtime schedule for them to follow. Think a bath, a glass of milk and a story.
• Give plenty of warning that bed time is approaching. Little hints like, “Okay, in 15 minutes we are going to bed” will help your child to prepare for the (devastating) news that it’s time to hit the pillow. How our priorities change!
• Tuck them in. A lot of children act out at bedtime because they simple want to be around you. Give them the attention they desire before bed to remove this need.
• Remove distractions from the bedroom. Make sure that there are no toys, bright lights or noises in your child’s bedroom that could stimulate their brains.

Here, let Supernanny show you how it’s done:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X–dq2JzK_s

Involve kids

Children are more likely to stick to a routine that they have had a hand in creating. So, it is important to involve your kids in the routine construction process. Buy a family calendar and list each your weekly tasks. Let your kids help to colour code the routine and decide which days they want to head to the park after school or go to grandma’s. It’s a small contribution, but for your kids it will feel huge.

Step them through the process

For many children, instructions will go in one ear and out the other. It’s just part of being a kid!

Given this, it is important to steps your kids through your routine – at least in the beginning.

“Okay, you’ve got your shirt on, now it’s time for your socks and shoes.”

“Now you have eaten it’s time to go and brush your teeth.”

As your kids get the hang of routine you will have to remind them less and less. But in the initial phases, a bit of patience and repetition is key.

Remember to let kids be kids

While routine and structure will help your child to grow up healthy and happy, don’t erase spontaneity from your life completely.

Kids need fun and laughter – and so do you. Make sure you strike a balance between structure and fun.

For more information…

This post has concentrated on younger children, but routine is important for kids of any ages. Check out this page from the Raising Children Network all about routine in any household.

Kid Pointz also offers just about every resource under the sun for getting kids organised.