Did you know that the first few weeks of the school year are spent getting children to understand routines and what is expected of them each day? The teacher spends time outlining expectations and modelling expected behaviours that our little ones need to use in the classroom and school environment. They patiently use days to ensure that their students understand what is expected of them and how things work.  

The teacher understands that if the classroom routines are not understood, throughout the year, he/she will need to address many unwanted behaviours that eventually leads to loss of valuable time that should be spent on the teaching and learning process. 

At home setting up routines for our children is also crucial. Routines in the home lead to functionality and development of a child that is well rounded emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Routines are the building blocks of normalcy, a way to getting things done, and they also provide a sense of security that our children need in order to grow and change in a positive way.

7 Ways in which routines help toddlers

Routines help our little ones to get on schedule.

Having a consistent daily routine helps our little ones to understand the world around them. Toddlers, most times, do not understand the concept of time but can understand how their days are ordered, leading to smooth transitions. When there is an established routine, and our children understand what their day looks like, they have fewer problems when it is time to:

• Carry out self-care
• Take a nap well during the day and to sleep at nights
• Transition from one activity to the next because they know what is coming.
• Be calm and relaxed when there are downtimes throughout the day.
• To sit and eat when it is time.

Routines Establish Expectations

When a child understands what is expected of them, rather than throwing a tantrum when they are told it is time to move on from one activity to the next, they are more willing to comply because they are accustomed to the different activities their day entails. They understand that tomorrow, or maybe later I will get to return to this activity.

For instance, if a child is told it is time to go inside or to take a bath, they are more likely to willingly go, knowing that when they go inside they will get cleaned up and have a snack.

When a routine is followed on a daily basis, children learn to transition smoothly, moving from one activity to the next with little or no issues. 

Routines create a calmer household

Once everyone in the home knows their role, what to expect, and the events that make up the day, there is less stress and anxiety.

Our little ones know how their day will unfold and will readily comply. Also, for the parents, having a routine makes it easier to get a break which prevents burnout.

Routines build confidence.

Toddlers learn through repetition. When they are doing some of the same activities on a daily basis, they learn to complete them on their own, leading to confidence. They will also be confident in the fact that they know what to do during the day instead of being told to do so.

Routines establish toddlers’ social, emotional and cognitive development.

When an infant or toddler has an effective routine, there are so many activities that can be incorporated into their day to ensure they are developing socially, cognitively, and emotionally. When there are routines in place, our little ones learn to become independent as they learn (through repetition) what each routine entails. When there are routines in place that are repeated over and over, when it is time to transition there will be a reduction in challenging behaviours because they understand that the activity they are being asked to pack away is something they will return to.

Routines provides daily bonding time for our little ones.

When there is a routine being followed, and there are times set aside for family members to do things together, this leads to our toddlers learning the values, beliefs, and interests of their families.

Some ways in which we can incorporate bonding time in a toddler’s routine are:

• Family devotions
• Reading of books together
• Going for walks
• Doing a project together
• Planting a garden
• Playing games
• Cleaning up 
• Preparing a meal

Routines establish healthy and constructive habits.  

Our self-care routine is something we do every day. The washing of our faces, the brushing of our teeth and the combing of our hair all help to establish healthy habits. When there are routines established in the home, we are teaching our little ones to do the same. Children who practise healthy habits also learn to be disciplined as they grow and change.

Some healthy and constructive habits that can be included in our toddlers’ daily routines are:

• The washing of hands and face
• Daily bathtime
• Brushing their teeth 
• physical activities
• making healthy food choices

Even though routines are essential to a functioning home, flexibility is also required at times.

Having an established routine that we follow on a daily basis is very important, but leave room for spontaneous learning to take place. Spontaneity and creativity are also essential factors that lead to the development of a well-rounded child. 

How to set up a daily Routine for your child.

Setting up and following a daily routine can be very challenging in the beginning, but with consistency, it can be accomplished.

Step 1: start with the important times such as self-care, meal times, naptimes and bedtime.

Step 2: Be very patient.

As mentioned before the process of establishing a routine with our little ones can be challenging and requires a lot of patience. If you stick to your routine, over time you will begin to see positive changes. Give yourself and your child, a lot of grace as the changes taking place are new to both of you. Remember when your routine is established, the days will be more organized for everyone involved, leading to meaningful interactions.

Step 3: For each part of the routine, add an element that is enjoyable for your child.

For example: when it is time to take a bath, allow your child to choose 2 of his/her favourite toys to take with them. Bathtime can also become a place of meaningful interactions by incorporating a few containers for pouring, or multicoloured foam bath letters can be added and lend themselves to the reviewing of letters and their sounds.

Step 4: Consistency is key: 

In order for infants and toddlers to learn a routine, you will need to be consistent. If we fail to be consistent, they will not understand what is expected of them. So in order for the routine to be established, you will need to work at it until you start seeing the changes. Routines can take weeks to develop. Keep trying!

Step 5: As you go along, you will need to adjust when necessary. As time goes by, you will start to understand your child and yourself more. You will understand what works for you both and what does not. After all, the goal of a routine is to help our little ones adjust to their environment and to add normalcy to the family.