Why The Comfort of Familiar Routines Is So Important To Childhood Development
Being a child seems simple, you get to have fun, play, and enjoy no responsibility each day. However, the truth is that it is much more complicated than this! From a young age, children start absorbing information and this can shape their entire attitude to life. The simple fact is that the early learning center you choose plays an important role in their development and success in life. That’s why you should choose a reputable one like this Croydon early learning. Alongside this, the most critical thing you can do is ensure your child has familiar routines.
This is emphasized in the things you do every day. It may be the ritual you have every time you say goodbye, or the bath and bedtime story you like to share with your child. There are many small things that you do the same way every day and you may not even realize it, but your child does.
It is a good idea to spend a few minutes thinking about what routines you do have as these can help your child in the following ways:
Stability & Security
Although children are generally carefree, they are very susceptible to small changes and, if they don’t understand what is happening, they can be left feeling vulnerable and insecure.
This often translates into emotional difficulties later in life and can cause your child to ‘act out. This is generally because they feel they have no control over their environment. Having a routine allows them to feel stable and secure as they know what is happening next.
The predictability of this is what gives them security. But, that doesn’t mean you should be predictable all the time. It is a good idea to understand the routines you have and know when you have the opportunity to be spontaneous and unpredictable. This prevents your child from becoming too familiar with their comfort zone and encourages them to explore new opportunities.
Cognitive Development
It may surprise you to learn that having routines allows your child to integrate more into the events going on around them. This is because they are comfortable in the environment and they will naturally push the limits of those boundaries. In most cases this will encourage them to be more independent, developing their cognitive skills at the same time.
Easy To Teach
When you have routines it is easier to teach your child new skills. You simply add an extra piece into an existing routine, such as the routine of brushing their teeth before bed. Add in washing your hands before this and they will start to understand the importance of hygiene.
Naturally, it can help to explain the changes as you do them. This will ensure your child is prepared for different things and factors them into the routine. It makes them more adaptable in later life.
This is perfectly emphasized by the global pandemic where children can no longer be walked into a classroom. The change in routine can be explained and encourage your child to be adaptable and more independent.
