Kids’ brains are wired to crave routines. This probably isn’t news to you—you’ve likely lived the reality of what happens when your family’s schedule is thrown off.
Difficult days.
Even more difficult nights.
Meltdowns.
Grumpy attitudes.
The list of mental and emotional chaos could go on and on.
For young kids, routines help them understand the world around them. Since they don’t fully grasp the concept of time yet, they order their lives around the events that happen in a day. So, when events happen in a predictable pattern, your kids feel more confident and secure knowing their needs will be met.
For both young and older kids, routines build trust between them and their parents. Routine reinforces the idea they’re safe, when they know what to expect.
What if you don’t have a routine in place right now? Don’t even worry about it—just examine your family’s natural rhythm and start building on what already exists.