Routines

Last night I was speaking to my husband about MommyFest and how I am trying to make my posts for this week helpful and informative, and easily commented on (for the contest) and he suggested talking about the boys routines. I was like well maybe and not 5 minutes later I am going through my sons preschool orientation packet and there is a whole page on routines. So here I go.

A routine is an event that is completed on a regular basis, frequently involving a series of responses.

• Schedule and routines are important because
• They influence a child's emotional, cognitive and social development
• They help children feel secure and comfortable
• They help children understand the expectations of the environment
• They help reduce the frequency of behavior problems
• They can result in higher rates of child engagment

We have set up a very easy routine for nap and bedtime that are very similar and works well for use. I don't think details will help you , everyone is different - we read stories - but you could sing, cuddle, talk whatever works for you and your child. I think the important things are they remain as consistant as possible, sometimes babysitters think we are a little overboard with making sure they know the "routine" and follow it, but we rarely have problems with bedtime this way.

• Remember:
• A schedule that is followed consistently helps make settings more predictable for children and adults.
• When planning activity scheduless, caregivers should consider the balance of activites
• Longer play periods can result in higher levels of play behavior
• There should be times when children are given a choice of activities

Do you have a good routine set up, or do you have any advice for routines?????