As a parent you might observe that your child gets easily distracted or stressed out at home and in school, it could be a subtle hint of a deeper concern. This could mean paying attention to your child’s daily routine and order.
In this article, you’ll understand why it’s important to have routine and order for your child’s behavior and how this can help them flourish.
Table of Contents
What is a routine for children?
A routine is a structured series of events or activities that happen daily, whereas order is related to the consistency and structure of such actions. Oftentimes, we find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of everyday life, but we follow certain routines to make it a lot easier, right?
Think of those moments when you follow laid-out tasks to meet deadlines, attend appointments, or even ensure your home runs smoothly. Surely, this gives you a sense of consistency and orderliness.
The same goes for every child, including those with ADHD, ASD, or any neurological condition—they need routine and order.
When routine and order are put together, they provide children with an environment that offers a sense of stability, safety, and control. A
step-by-step routine and consistent daily schedule give your child a predictable day.
For children, this can mean:
- They wake up at the same time every day as they would if it were a school day.
- Having breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner at the same time every day.
- Having the same set times for other activities, such as taking naps, and exercising such as riding a bike, swimming, or taking a walk to the park.
- A scheduled playtime
- Going to bed at night at the same time every day, including every other bedtime ritual.
Following through makes them aware of what is happening now and what will come next.
Why does routine matter?
Getting more clarity on why routines are helpful can guide you in developing one that works best for you and your child.
It gives your child a clarity
Imagine a day when your child knows what to do and expect, from waking up, brushing their teeth, bathing, eating, and through all the activities for the day to bedtime. All with a smooth flow between activities and a familiar pattern throughout the day.
It makes it so much easier to parent and do your other daily activities. Isn’t it?
Importance of routine is also backed by research
This is also backed by research. Based on research, routines help young children develop healthy social and emotional balance. Children who follow set routines at home, in particular, possess the self-regulation abilities that are the cornerstones of sound mental health.
Helps your child to control their emotions
Also, children who can recognize their emotions and possess the ability to control them, so they don’t feel overwhelmed are said to have learned to regulate their feelings and behaviors. Young children who master this skill will be better equipped to cope with stresses, obstacles, and changing expectations as they grow older.
However, this is not something that your child picks up instantly. When your child is learning important skills like reading, writing, and
self-regulation—these skills develop over time. So, for every stage your child is about to pass, including age-appropriate milestones, you can coach them from that stage into the next smoothly.
Routine is important for every child
Every child, regardless of developmental stage, needs routine, including those with ASD and ADHD as well as generally developing kids. Generally, routine gives children a feeling of predictability and structure, which promotes emotional stability, concentration, and being in tune with their environment.
An ADHD child sleeps better with routine
Routine helps a child with ADHD sleep better. Also, it aids learning to read by giving them a learning environment with structure and consistency both at home and in school. They are crucial for supporting the social development of a child with ADHD.
For ASD children, a predefined routine lowers anxiety
Similarly, routine and order are crucial for kids with ASD since they give them a sense of predictability in their environment and lower anxiety.
In other words, children with or without ADHD, ASD, or any neurological condition can thrive from consistent schedules and daily routines at home, school, or other social settings. This makes them feel in tune with their environment and gives them a sense of control. They feel at ease, safe, and secure—every parent’s dream come true.
The Importance of Routine and Order for Children
1. Encouraging Self-Regulation
Children who have a regular schedule are better able to control their emotions and actions. They possess the skill to effortlessly shift between activities while understanding what comes next.
2. Improving Consistency
Predictability and consistency are essential for cognitive development between the ages of 1 to 12. It also applies to children with ADHD,
ASD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. They can concentrate on learning and interacting with their surroundings when they are prepared, which lowers tension.
3. Developing Independence and responsibility
Children who follow a set schedule are better able to take charge of their everyday activities. They gain independence and self-assurance in their skills, from putting on clothes to doing their schoolwork.
4. Enhancing Sleep Patterns
Regular bedtimes tell the body when it’s time to relax, which improves the quality of sleep, which is important for kids’ physical and emotional well-being.
5. Encouraging Learning and Development
Children are better equipped to participate in learning activities when they have a solid foundation at home and in school. Their increased positive responses to learning, problem-solving, and interactions with others promote the development of a variety of other skills that will be useful as they grow older.
6. Improves mental health and emotional stability
Children who have regular routines at home have emotional stability. Regular daily routines make kids feel safe and less anxious by eliminating uncertainties and surprises.
7. Boosts Bonding During Family Time
Surely, shared routines between you, as a parent, and your child strengthened family bonding. These activities may include weekend activities, dinners together, and bedtime customs. They establish chances for bonding, conversation, and quality time.
How to Set up Routine and Order for Your Child to Flourish
Creating a structured routine for your child does not mean setting up a strict schedule. If you do this, they’ll get bored and frustrated.
On the contrary, it’s about striking a balance between being flexible and consistent while having your child’s needs and preferences in mind.
So, you have to get creative! This is where FlowMinder can help you.
Here are some helpful tips to get you started and keep up a healthy routine
✔ Get a planner. You can start off with a simple routine.
✔ Lay out the main activities your child does every day, such as
waking up, brushing their teeth, bathing, eating, sleeping, playing, and going to school.
✔ Give these activities set times, but also space them out for flexibility.
✔ Use visual aids or charts to visually represent their daily routine. This style makes it easier for your child to understand and stick to it.
✔ Calmly and clearly convey your expectations.
✔ Don’t forget to shower your child with praise and positive reinforcement when they’re done with their routine.
✔ When they don’t get it right, correct them calmly and encourage them.
Additionally, when transitioning from one activity to the next, use timers or visual clues to help kids get ready without making sudden changes. While maintaining a certain level of consistency is important, be willing to make changes in response to your child’s needs and input.
How routine and order improve your child’s behavior
Think of the joy you get when your child wakes up on their own, knowing exactly what to do to prepare for school.
Bet you felt joy and relief!
Now, that’s the transforming power of routine and order. In other
words, your child’s behavioral patterns, including the way they act and react, are mostly influenced by their daily routine.
This consistency not only eases the stress of the morning but also creates a positive environment for the day. Similarly, a planned after-school schedule that incorporates homework, playtime, and chores teaches kids how to manage their time and develop a sense of responsibility.
In addition, routines give children with ADHD or ASD a sense of security and stability that makes navigating daily problems easier and more confident for them. Routines give kids the structure they need to learn self-control, emotional control, and social skills—all of which are essential for their development and general well-being.
Conclusion
As you set out on this adventure of routine and order, keep in mind that every little step matters. Every moment, from bedtime stories to morning rituals, influences your child’s journey. Embrace the wonder of routine, acknowledge your child’s wins, and watch as their abilities materialize before your own eyes.
Whether you’re new to implementing a routine for your child or not, you’re not alone. AtFlowMinder we believe in helping every child develop their unique skills and strengths through patience, love, nurturing, and resilience, with a consistent structure.
Want to know more about emotional self-regulation in kids? Go here.