The importance of routine for a happy childhood

“Children Thrive in Routine.”

Why is routine so important?

For most of us, and especially children, routine means predictability, and predictability means safety. When the worry of the unknown is removed and children know what their day will look like and what the expectations of their environment are, they can be in a relaxed “ready to learn and grow” mindset. 

According to the Kids Mental Health Foundation:

“1. Routines Help Children Feel Safe. Routines help us know what to expect from a situation, which helps us feel in control and can decrease feelings of anxiety. For young children, routines are particularly helpful around times of separation such as leaving a child at a babysitter’s or tucking them in to bed at night.

2. Routines Help Children Build Independence. When children get used to following the same set of steps over and over again, they are more able to do these steps on their own which builds a sense of mastery and confidence. Routines can be particularly helpful around everyday tasks such as getting ready for school in the morning or getting ready for bed at night. Parents can take advantage of the power of routines by giving their children clear steps for getting tasks done. This gives the added benefit of parents feeling more confident in their skills!

3. Routines Can Decrease Power Struggles. When children have consistent and predictable routines, they are more likely to do what is expected of them. Instead of a parent needing to tell a child over and over what needs to happen next, the routine becomes a part of everyday life. For example, having the routine of doing homework after school each day will likely decrease the need for a parent to remind their teen and get into arguments.”

That important role of routine is one of the many reasons that our Toycessories® work so well to alleviate separation anxiety and childhood anxiety. Our daily ritual becomes a heartwarming, funny and reliable part of your everyday family routine. Connection, predictability and safety has never been so much fun! 

Please check out the full article about the importance of routines from the kids mental health foundation.

Please know that we are always “With you” with ideas and support. 

With love 

Dorothea & Valeria