Content Map Terms

Family Routines

 

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Some routine is helpful for all families. It helps you get through the things that need to be done each day, and can also build your family bonds. A good routine caters to the needs of all family members.


The basics

Routines are how families organize themselves to get things done, spend time together and have fun. Every family has its own unique routines. Routines help family members know who should do what, when, and how often.

For example, your family might have:

  • daily routines for getting everyone ready in the morning, bath time, bedtime and mealtimes, and goodbyes
  • weekly routines for housework, like washing and cleaning
  • other routines involving holidays and extended family get-togethers.

Family life might be more chaotic without some routine, but there’s more to it than that. Routines also let your children know what’s important to your family. Highly meaningful routines, such as the ways you celebrate milestones or accomplishments can help strengthen your shared beliefs and values, and build a sense of belonging and cohesion in families.

Did you know?
Maintaining normal daily routines as much as possible can make it easier for children to deal with stressful events, such as the birth of a new child, a divorce, the illness or death of a family member, or a move to a new city or country.

Why routines are good for children

Some children like and need routine more than others. In general, though, routine has the following benefits for children:

  • They can be a way of teaching younger children healthy habits, like brushing their teeth, getting some exercise, or washing their hands after using the toilet.
  • An organized and predictable home environment helps children and young people feel safe and secure.
  • Routines built around fun or spending time together strengthen relationships between parents and children. Reading a story together before bed or going for a special snack after soccer practice can become a special time for you and your children to share.
  • Daily routines help set our body clocks. For example, bedtime routines help children’s bodies “know” when it’s time to sleep. This can be particularly helpful when children reach adolescence and their body clocks start to change. You can read more about sleep in adolescence.
  • If your child needs to take medicine regularly, a routine for this will help both of you remember.
  • Having an important job to do in the family routine helps older children and teenagers develop a sense of responsibility.
  • Routines help develop basic work and time management skills.
  • Routines can help promote a feeling of safety in stressful situations or during difficult stages of development, such as puberty.
  • When children reach adolescence, the familiarity of regular home routines can help them feel looked after. Predictable family routines can be a welcome relief from the changes they’re experiencing.
  • Routines for children with disabilities can be a big help. They can be even more important for children who find it hard to understand or cope with change.

Why routines are good for parents

Routines take some effort to create. But once established, they have lots of benefits:

  • They free up time for you to think about other things while you work.
  • Regular and consistent routines can help you feel like you’re doing a good job as a parent.
  • When things are hectic, routines can help you feel more organised, which lowers stress.
  • A routine will help you complete your daily tasks efficiently.
  • As children get better at following a routine by themselves, you can give fewer instructions and nag less.
  • Routines free you from having to constantly resolve disputes and make decisions. If Sunday night is pizza night, no-one needs to argue about what’s for dinner.

Did you know?
Older children and teenagers might grow out of, or challenge, some routines. Being flexible and adapting routines as your children get older can help with this issue. For example, changing routines for teenagers could be linked to milestones, such as them getting their first part-time job.

Kinds of routines

The routines adopted by families are as diverse as families themselves. Here are some routines you might want to consider for your family.

Toddlers and preschoolers:

  • Getting ready in the morning
  • Going to bed at night
  • Regular “playdates”
  • Eating meals
  • Regular play and talk times with a parent each day
  • Story time (book reading)
  • Quiet time each evening

School-age children:

  • Hygiene and health – for example, brushing teeth and washing hands
  • Caring for pets
  • Regular “playdates”
  • Pocket money, given at a regular time and day
  • After-school activities
  • Chores – for example, setting and clearing the dinner table, tidying up, looking after toys, helping with the laundry or emptying the dishwasher
  • Hobbies or sport

Teens:

  • Doing laundry or other chores
  • Homework
  • Hobbies or sport
  • After-school activities

All ages:

  • Preparing and eating meals together
  • Family days (family activities)
  • Family DVD nights
  • Family meetings
  • Taking turns talking about the day
  • Special one-on-one time with a parent
  • Regular contact with extended family and friends
  • Local or community celebration days, annual events or outings
  • Saying prayers or observing religious events
© Raising Children Network Limited, reproduced with permission.

 
Last Updated: November 30, 2014