This past weekend was Independence Day. Aside from going to a parade, my family stayed home. We blew up a pool, bought the kids some sparklers and water balloons, and played outside. As much as I wanted to go to the fireworks, it just wasnโt ideal for our kids schedules this year.
Our littlest (12 months) goes to bed around 7PM, while the other two (ages 3 and 9) go to bed at 8PM. There is absolutely no way that our youngest two would have been able to stay awake to watch the fireworks without meltdowns. ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ก๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ค๐ช๐ฉ๐จ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐๐ฎ.
Weโve always had a routine. What really started out as a way to keep our sanity and make sure we slept, has become a comfort for our children. When we include meaningful and important elements into our family life, weโre letting our children know whatโs important. Having a routine with our kids is key, so missing things like the fireworks isnโt a big deal.
Daily routines can:
- Reduce anxiety.
- Promote self-control.
- Build confidence.
- Create a sense of security.
- Eliminate power struggles.
Study after study shows that children who grow up with daily routines benefit academically, physically, psychologically, socially, and mentally. I mean, just search the benefits of keeping kids on a routine and you can create an endless list.
Different kinds of routines:
- Getting ready in the morning.
- Doing chores.
- Eating meals.
- Quite time and getting ready for bed.
Schedules and routines are different for everyone. I canโt give you a routine to follow. What works for one family and/or child, will not always work for the other. The style of routine you create will be unique to the lifestyle you live.
Creating A Daily Routine That Works For Your Family
Make a list of everything that must get done everyday in your family. The things on this list should be daily must-doโs. Mentally walk yourself though your familyโs week. Try to keep your list around 15, otherwise itโs too much.
Put the items in order as they need to be done each day. Take time to put some thought into this, because this is what routine is all about.
Post your family routine so everyone can see it.
Give yourself grace. Donโt be hard on yourself or your family. Just because you make a routine, doesnโt mean it will happen. Sometimes your family will get off schedule. Life happens. It takes practice.
Consider the following when making a routine:
- Be patient.
- Have age-appropriate expectations.
- Make changes when a routine isnโt working.
- Be happy with partial solutions.
- Donโt give up.
Having a structure in place for your family will help you to thrive. When there is chaos in a family, the first place to check is their systems and structures. Routines and schedules are a big part of that system. I guarantee they are worth every minute you devote to creating them, practicing them, and then carrying them out.
That Mama Said 