The unknown. The thing that gives most humans a feeling of anxiety. The unknown also sends children into the same unstable and fearful feelings that adults experience.

For adults, the unknown can be big events such as changing jobs, moving, or doing something you’ve never done before. For children, the unknown can be more simple, such as where are we going, are you coming back, and why is something happening.

Children handle change best if it is expected and occurs in a familiar routine. A predictable routine allows children to feel safe, and they begin to feel in control of their lives. Routines teach kids how to manage themselves and their environments.

5 things having a routine can help with

1. Routines eliminate power struggles over everyday tasks

2. Routines help children to cooperate and learn to take charge of their own activities.

3. Kids learn how to look forward to something that makes them feel happy

4. Routines help children get on a schedule that will fit their academic and family life

5. Schedules help parents maintain consistency in expectations

Routines work well with older children but cannot be expected of newborns. Infants will tell us what they need and when they need it. Adults are able to adapt and change far easier than an infant and need to do so until their infant can move to the first step of developing a routine, sleeping at night, we must be able to adapt to their schedule. As the child grows their schedule and routines become more predictable, this will allow for some flexibility in adapting their routines to meet the needs of the family as a whole.

Just as adults thrive when their lives are consistent and planned children feel the same way. They learn to regulate themselves and feel safe when they are used to set routines that provide them with a sense of control over themselves and their environment.

Bravo Employee: Kamille Bennington