P A R E N T I N G
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY ROUTINES Parenting experts have long touted the advantages of family routines. Let’s look at how and why this is. The obvious benefit of household routines is that they teach your children how the group approaches or completes various tasks. They allow children to see what their jobs are within that and are great for showing the importance of collaboration and a system. Having a set way of doing something is also helpful in showing the household’s values. These are known as ‘rituals’. Rituals are particularly significant routines a family has together and can vary from one family to the next. They help instill a family’s beliefs and ethics, while creating a sense of belonging and togetherness.
IMPACT OF ROUTINES ON KIDS Emotional benefits Family routines can have a very positive impact on a child’s well-being. This can include feelings of safety, care and belonging. Security and predictability are routines that give your child a sense of calm and steadiness. They create a home environment that feels organised and predictable. This helps children to feel stable and secure. It can also help them manage various challenges along the way such as puberty, new siblings, moving house or even divorce.
Regular time together doing an activity that is fun, or specific to your household, builds healthy and secure family connections and relationships. Simple ideas for achieving this include reading a bedtime story together, always sitting down to dinner together, taking weekend walks and making a ritual of a family movie night together.
Learning responsibility Designating tasks to different members of the family gives everyone certain ageappropriate responsibilities. This will give children and teenagers the chance to grow their essential life skills. These are things like time management and communication and feeling responsibility too. Once children start completing their roles without having to be told or helped, it gives them a sense of independence.
Habits for health Routines are an amazing tool for instilling healthy habits in younger children. For example brushing their teeth, getting fresh air and moving their bodies or simply washing their hands after going to the bathroom. 34 | FEBRUARY 2022 | MOTHER, BABY & CHILD
