How important is routine for children?

If for adults, routine can be a source of boredom, for children on the contrary, it allows them to feel safe enough to develop their autonomy. Knowing what’s going to happen, they don’t need to worry.

What is an effective routine?

The routine is made up of actions and events that recur every day in the same order and at the same time. Depending on each family and each child, it constitutes temporal markers that comfort the children and provide them with stability.

An effective routine gives the impression of having control over the daily life, which reduces stress and anxiety. Whether it’s meal times, hygiene, sleep, clothing, school or family activities, it’s almost half of his day that must be organized and routine.

Maintain some flexibility

If the child begins to participate more actively in his routine around the age of 18 months, it is important to leave him some flexibility to develop his autonomy. We can change the order of events a little, or let him choose between two possibilities, whether on clothing, food or activities for example.

Don’t forget to leave a little room for the unexpected to teach him to adapt naturally and avoid too much rigidity. Mainly try to maintain the evening routine before bedtime which remains the most important to reassure the child and allow him to sleep peacefully.

Find out more: “Small rituals towards autonomy”, by Elisabeth de Lambilly, Chevalet Memo editions.