The Importance of Routine for a Young Child

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

11 Jan 2009 12:29 PM

As a person, I usually thrive more on the spontaneous rather than the routine. I tend to get inspired and follow those inspirations rather than doing the same things at the same time on the same days. That said, even I can recognize the benefit of a routine, especially when there are certain things that just need to be done. Even within a routine there can be some flexibility and spontaneity, but having a routine can make life with little ones much easier for everyone involved.

Why is a routine so important for young children? Well, for one thing, a routine helps children feel secure. The world is full of unexpected wonder, most of it nice, but some of it scary. A routine that takes advantage of the same things happening in the same order can be very comforting.

A routine can also help teach children about patterns. Having something logically follow something else can create associations, which are important for logical thinking and even later reading readiness.

Establishing good habits can be easier with a routine. If we always wash hands before lunch or brush our teeth before bed then these routines can become part of healthy habits and positive associations.

Routines can also cause less conflict and better behavior. Take napping for example. Having a set nap time each day and being consistent means that there is no room for negotiation. My youngest kids know that nap comes after lunch, so once lunch is done and faces and hands are wiped, they go in to lay down for their naps without complaint. Once in a while they may test this, but it generally amounts to no more than a weak protest.

Now that we have covered the importance of the routine, here are a few fun ways to break it without really breaking it.

Serve breakfast for dinner one night.

Go to sleep in regular, comfortable clothes and skip getting dressed in the morning.

Have a backwards day and choose a few things to do in reverse (such as getting a bath before dinner instead of after, or going to the park in the morning instead of the afternoon).

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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The Importance of Family Time

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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