What are Predictable Routines and Schedules?
Predictable routines and schedules are tools that we use to help children learn, using typical activities and tasks that happen throughout the day. A predictable routine is a task that happens the same way over and over again. A schedule also implies that something happens regularly with consistency and predictability. When we consider the use of predictable routines and schedules within a home, an example would be, consistent bedtime, wake time and nap time. Another example would be meal times at regular times. We may also look at an individual task, for example, bath time or mealtime and complete these tasks in the same manner every time using a consistent routine.
Why are Predictable Routines and Schedules important?
Predictable routines and schedules allow children to know in advance what is going to happen. When children know what is happening during a specific routine or over the course of a day they are able to remove that from their worry. Understanding what is expected from the adults in your life provides children with one less challenge to overcome. I am not sure about you, but I much prefer to know what is happening before it happens. If I have a schedule or a plan for the day it allows me to handle other challenges that pop up. I wouldn’t appreciate someone walking into my living room, where I was relaxing and enjoying a good book, to just tell me "Ok you are done, we have to wash dishes right now." If I had a schedule that said I have to do dishes at about 7pm, I could plan to stop my book in my time prior to the next task. Children have very little that they are in control over. When we are consistent with our routines and schedules kids feel in control because they know what comes next and what is expected. Have you ever had your toddler throw a tantrum because you said they have to go to bed now? Could it be that if they knew that they always go to bed after they have a bath they may not protest as much? This is what experience has taught us. Children may need some reminders that those transitions are coming - using a timer or verbal warning or prepping them with first we are eating and then we are going to school. This helps to soften the transitions from one activity to another.
When should we use Predictable Routines and Schedules?
You can use these strategies with every task a child completes during their day. To start however, I would focus on a general overall daily schedule. The most important being meals, wake ups and bedtimes at the same time. This does not mean exact times to the minute. We are speaking in general. Children need lots of sleep and nutrition is what fuels our children for successfully completing their day. It is the most important place to start. When we identify a bedtime, try very hard to stick to it! How we put the kids to bed should be predictable. For example, we put on pajamas, we read 2 books, turn on the fan, music and turn off the lights. Mom or Dad leave the room. I fall asleep. With practice a child will understand that this is the routine. Not to say that there is never a waiver from the schedule - of course there is. However the more consistent we are the better are children are at following the routines and expectations that come with the routine.
What Predictable Routines and Schedules are not.
When discussing predictable routines and schedules people can be very quick to say “I can not stick to a schedule.” “We have so many things we do each week that are different.” Even the busiest parent can make predictable routines and schedules work. How, you ask? The special star! The special star is what we use when something different is happening. For example, today after breakfast we are going to the park with friends. Not all children require the use of a special star picture to help them get ready for a difference in their day but they all benefit from at least telling them what is happening today! I could tell my child that today we are going to the pool after breakfast. The other thing a predictable routine and schedule is not, it does not mean you schedule every second of the day. There will be play time, sometimes inside others outside. There may be quiet times when nap times go away. You do not need to schedule which toys they play with when, just that they get to play after lunch and before nap time.
In conclusion…..
Predictable routines and schedules are important to every child. Children deserve to know what the plan for the day is. This is an opportunity for your child to feel respected and in control. They can accept new challenges more easily as they aren’t trying to adapt to what comes next in their day because they already know due to having a consistent schedule or predictable routines. Decreased tantrums and increased participation is generally attained in a short period of time with the institution of predictable routines and schedules.
I hope this concept is one you try with your little one!
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