Did you know that it takes about 66 days to form and maintain a habit? That means keeping up with daily routines is a lot easier than starting new ones.
If you want to keep from wasting time developing new schedules, find one that works. Then, you can take advantage of the benefits of maintaining that schedule.
Keep reading to learn more.
Develop Good Habits
One of the most significant benefits of sticking to daily routines is that it can help kids build good habits. Kids will get used to doing certain tasks each day, and you can make sure those tasks are helpful.
For example, you might help your child form a habit of brushing their teeth. If you have older kids, you might ask them to make setting the dinner table part of their routine.
Routines for children can depend on their ages, so you should choose age-appropriate tasks. However, setting these routines and keeping up with them can help your kids build habits that will help as they get older.
Help With Responsibility
When creating routines for children, find some tasks that make them feel responsible. Of course, a younger child can’t do as much as their older sibling, so start small.
You may ask a toddler to organize their toys every time they finish playing. As they get older, you might start incorporating other chores and tasks into their schedule.
As your child gets used to doing those tasks each day, they can start to feel responsible. They’ll learn that tasks are important to do regularly, so they can become more responsible, in general.
Encourage Independence
Daily routines can also help you encourage your kids to be more independent. Instead of you always being the one to dress your child or make them a snack, you can get them to do those things.
After a while, your child will learn how to pick out their clothes and put clothes on without your help. That can help you if you have a younger child who needs more attention.
Teaching independence can also help prepare your kid for when they move out. They’ll get used to doing certain things that living without you won’t be such a shock.
Just make sure you slowly incorporate new tasks into a child’s routine so that they can get used to things slowly.
Improve Predictability
Developing routines for children can also help make their days and weeks more predictable. When that happens, your kids can feel better about the day ahead since they’ll know what to expect.
If you aren’t consistent with routines, your kids won’t know when they’ll need to do chores, for example. But if you keep up with routines every day, your kids will know to predict that.
That predictability can also provide a sense of stability. Stability can come in handy if you ever need to move or if you experience another milestone as a family.
For example, your kids may be able to stick to their routines if you bring home a new baby. Then, the change won’t be as hard for everyone to deal with.
Lower Stress
While there are a lot of benefits to daily routines for kids, some apply more to parents. If you find you have a lot of stress, setting up a routine for yourself and your family can help.
You’ll know what everyone needs to do each day. And as long as you’re good about following the routine, you won’t have to worry if you forget to do a specific task.
For example, you can ask an older child to set the table for dinner every evening. That’s one less task that you have to focus on, so you can spend more time on other things.
Be More Productive
It won’t happen immediately, but you can improve your productivity as you get used to your daily routines. You and your kids will learn where things go and when everyone has to complete their tasks.
For example, your child who sets the table will learn where the plates and silverware are. Then, they won’t have to ask you or search around for what they need.
A child who knows to put away their toys will know where the toy basket is. Becoming more productive can help you and your family get back more free time that you can spend together.
Reduce Decision-Making
After you establish a routine, you won’t have to make as many decisions. For example, you can set a schedule for dinner that meets the dietary needs of a picky eater or anyone else in the house.
You might schedule meals to happen weekly, such as Taco Tuesday. Each week, you’ll know what you need to pick up from the store to make dinner, and you may not face as many complaints about the dinner that night.
The more you can reduce decision-making, the easier it can be on everyone. Your kids won’t complain or try to fight against your choices since they’re used to them happening regularly.
Avoid Conflict
If you can reduce the decisions you have to make, you may also be able to reduce conflict. For example, you might set a bedtime routine for each child based on their age.
You’ll make a schedule for when each child gets their bath and when they have to go to bed. While it can involve some conflict at first, that may go away over time.
Your kids will know when they need to do certain tasks to prepare for bed. They may sometimes want to stay up late, but if you’re consistent with their daily routines, they can learn to be that way as well.
Daily Routines Made Easy
Daily routines can make a massive difference for you and your children. Be sure to stay consistent once you implement a routine to help your kids be responsible and to avoid conflict.
Over time, your kids may look forward to certain parts of their day. Then, you won’t have to stress as much about getting kids to get dressed or go to bed.
Do you want to make preschool a part of your child’s routine? Learn more about how we can help.
The Learning Experience – Long Island City
27 – 28 Thomson Ave
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 433-4007
https://thelearningexperience.com/center/long-island-city/
