Establishing routines helps us use time more efficiently, it provides structure and it creates expectations.
Why is it so important? Because it allows children to feel secure and to predict what will happen next. Research shows that children who have a daily routine often are better behaved and could perform better at school.
Here are some ideas as to where to start:
We have attached our home-made behavior chart! You can color one star each time your child follows directions. Let us know if you decide to try this at home!
Why is it so important? Because it allows children to feel secure and to predict what will happen next. Research shows that children who have a daily routine often are better behaved and could perform better at school.
Here are some ideas as to where to start:
- Build a routine around the times people in your family wake up, eat and sleep.
- Include transition times as part of the routine. For example, say, “We have 10 minutes left before we start getting ready for bed."
- Have a bedtime ritual, which will help children slowly calm down, and allow them to associate certain activities with getting sleepy. Our favorite? Reading books before bedtime!
- If there's one activity, like tooth brushing, which is a nightly sticking point, set up a Reward Chart to deal with it. We like to use stars stickers as a reward. After your child earns 5 or 10, you can give a prize!
We have attached our home-made behavior chart! You can color one star each time your child follows directions. Let us know if you decide to try this at home!