Routines, we all have them. From grabbing a coffee in the morning, to switching all the lights off before bed, our days are filled with sequences of actions that we follow. But did you know that routines are especially important for children, helping them to thrive academically by promoting predictability, reducing anxiety and encouraging positive behaviour? Read on to find out why creating a routine is important and how you can create routines with your child at home.
Routines are important for children as they provde structure to their day. When following a routine, children know what is expected and when, which can reduce their anxiety and uncertainty. Routines can also help your child learn valuable time-management and self-discipline skills, encourage independence teach prioratisation. Following routines and practising the skills that this entails has many benefits that will help your child in many aspects of their development. Regular study times and organised preparation are linked with improved academic performance, a reduction in problem behaviours, increased independence and developing other healthy habits.
With routines, it is very important to make sure that the environment is set up in a way that will help your child succeed. You can do this by first identifying the key activities that you would like to build the routine around. These can be broken down into morning tasks (such as putting on their uniform), after-school tasks (such as completing homework) and bedtime tasks (such as preparing their bag for the next day). Once you have identified the tasks, you need to break these into smaller, more manageable steps. For putting on their uniform, for example, you could have a list of the items that they need and the correct order that they need to be put on. Visual supports such as charts, checklists and timers are useful for setting reminders and timeframes, and younger children would benefit from pictures to help them. For older children, the steps of the task could be broader and more general, for example their morning routine could have the list: get dressed → brush teeth → eat breakfast → put lunch in bag → put on shoes.
As with all behavioural change procedures, it is important to start small. Introduce one routine at a time, ensuring that you are providing positive feedback for correct completion. As your child becomes more adept and confident, you can start to introduce more complex routines.
Some children can be resistant to routines, particularly if it is the first time that they are beng implemented, or if the task seems to be difficult for them. If this is the case, don’t worry - all is not lost! Try these steps to help support your child:
- Involve your child with the routine planning. Explain why it will be important and emphasise the benefits of taking responsibility.
- Model the tasks so that your child is aware exactly how each step should be done.
- Start with smaller steps that your child is more likely to enjoy or complete quickly and build form there.
- Offer choices, such as “do you want to have a snack before your homework or after your homework?”. This can help your child feel in control of their activities and increase cooperation.
- Praise and reward small successes that you want to see increased, for example “wow, you sat down at the desk without me asking you, well done!”.
By following these tips and being persistant and positive, you will be able to foster routines, creating the structure for academic success for your child.
By Anna McGettigan, BCBA
The blog highlights the transformative power of physical activity, emphasizing how it boosts energy, focus, and mental well-being. At Compass International School, promoting an active lifestyle is integral to fostering both physical and emotional health, which in turn enhances students' academic performance. The new initiative, Kickstart Kilometre, invites the school community to walk or jog together every Thursday morning, kickstarting their day with positive energy and improved focus. This approach aims to inspire a balanced lifestyle that helps manage stress and supports overall success in both academics and life.
