Having routines can conserve our self-control and energy. After a long hard day, the reason you get the feeling of wanting to curl up on the couch and watch Netflix is that you use up all your limited amount of willpower (and self-control). | The Ego-Depletion effect is that feeling you get after completing tasks all day long. Our energy levels won’t be depleted as easy.Wowzas! That was one heck of a run-on sentence so you may want to read it again *wink. Establishing routines helps our brain store those tasks in our basal gangliawhich is where our habits are stored freeing up space in our prefrontal cortex allowing us to have a clear mind so we can do new tasks and be creative in other areas. This part of the brain tends to tire more easily if used a lot. |The prefrontal cortex (the thinker brain) houses executive functionswhich allow people to organize, plan, self regulate and get tasks done. Routines help us know what to expect keeping our bodies calm and more alert. | Whenever people face uncertainty, the amygdala (the responsible party for fight, flight or freeze) is engaged. Our brains become more happy by increasing certainty.I barely have to repeat myself (even having a kid with ADHD which is a feat in itself!) which helps me treat my kids with kindness creating a stronger connection with them. Since implementing a morning and evening routine, I no longer turn purple from saying, “Put your shoes on” or “brush your teeth” over and over and over AND over again. Routines are helpful to both adults and kids and for our relationship with each other. If they are capable of creating a routine that is easy to follow, these things can be done on autopilot and without any hesitation. We want our kids to thrive as adults which include brushing their teeth, wiping their butts (I’m not even kidding) and eating healthy without being told to do so. “Structure and routines teach kids how to constructively control themselves and their environments.” – Dr. Also, I can attest to not really having much of a self-care routine during my childhood (mainly because my parents working hard and not at home) which has resulted in a tougher time developing healthy habits as an adult. Kids who don’t have set times or places to get mundane tasks done have a tougher time learning to do the same when they are grown. Laura Markham, author of many books I recommend and founder of Aha! Parenting says, “Structure and routines teach kids how to constructively control themselves and their environments.” Starting off the day knowing exactly what needs be done versus running around the house like your hair is on fire or you’re being chased by an angry monkey (you pick!) can set the tone for a much calmer and more productive day for you and your kids. There is so much change in a child’s life that having some kind of daily structure can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Routines are important for both kids and parents because they create predictability which leads to security and can aid in developing self-discipline. Naps (if still taking them) and Bedtimeīecause I don’t want to be more controlling than I already tend to be, we pretty much focus on having a solid morning and bedtime routine and chore schedules to allow for creativity and a little freedom.After School –Is it only me or does your house feel like a circus complete with acrobats when your kids get home from school?.I am no longer involved in my boys getting ready in the morning and it’s glorious. Morning – In my house, this is the most crucial routine we have.Here are daily routines that are often helpful to have: Mornings, after school and bedtime are the times of the day that we try to have some kind of routine, although flexible, in place. When I say routine, I’m referring to some kind of consistent schedule at a certain part of the day. We get to stay on Cloud Cuckoo Land with all the rainbows and puffy clouds. I go from Unikitty to Angry Kitty.īy having a routine for my kids to follow, there is a reduced amount of nagging to get things done before needing to head out the door. My son has challenges with Executive Functioning with a provisional diagnosis of ADHD so he needs a routine.Īlso, I have found that trying to rush out the door in the morning and making dinner are often my triggers. Tell me, what kind of routines do your kids use?įast forward nine years, routines are more imperative than ever.
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