CLEAR Parent Tip Sheet: Routines Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they are going to catch you in next. - Franklin P. Jones Importance of Routines in the Home. It’s normal for children to test the limits. That’s how they learn what is right and wrong. It can be frustrating. One way to keep control and help children learn is to create structure. Structure is created by consistent routines and rules. Rules teach children what behaviors are ok or not ok. Routines teach children what to expect throughout the day. Structure helps kids learn responsibility and control Three Key Factors: Consistency-doing the same thing every time Predictability-expecting or knowing what is going to happen Follow-through-enforcing the consequence Routines and rules help the home and make it more predictable Structure helps parents and their kids. Kids feel safe and secure when they know what to expect You can provide your child with structure by creating a daily routine and family rules. Steps to Creating Routines and Rituals: Identify Routines and Rituals: Identify important daily activities and decide the order they should happen Identify key times of the day when activities should occur and make a routine For example: Establish a morning/after school/bedtime routine. Determine what time your family will wake up and go to bed and stick to it! Prepare snacks, lunches and outfits the night before to ease the morning madness. Some families prepare for an entire week so it’s grab and go! Create lists (use pictures for younger kids) of tasks: make bed, get dressed, brush teeth, comb hair, get back pack etc….to help kids understand their routines and jobs. Use sticker charts for kids to note the completion of their “jobs” and earn rewards when a goal has been met. Often, children who don’t want to follow routines eventually end up finding comfort and safety within them as they learn to trust in the predictability the routine offers When possible involve children in the creation of routines Rules: Be as specific as possible Focus on specific behaviors, avoid vague rules like “be good” Start with one or two rules and add new ones as needed. A large number of rules will be hard to follow and enforce

Adapted from http://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/structure/buildingblocks-family.html Copyright © 2015 WSU Child and Family Research Unit. All Rights Reserved.

CLEAR Parent Tip Sheet: Routines Explain Routines/Rituals: Make sure your child know what you want him to do and when you want him to do it. Talk to your child and have them repeat them back to you. Use simple charts or visually display rules and routines Keep in mind that younger children need reminders and rules should be repeated often. Follow the Routines/Rituals: All family members should try to follow routines and family rules Your child may not always want to follow the routine or rule, so provide reminders and supports If you are tired or stressed, it may be hard for you to follow the outline or rules, but try to stick with it. Keep in Mind: Be consistent with the routine and ritual, and let your child know what you expect If routines change, let your child know about the change to promote structure. A five minute warning is a good way to do this. Rules should be followed no matter who is caring for your child (including grandparents and babysitters) to provide consistency. Routines should also be consistent as much as possible Always follow through if routines or rules are not followed.

Adapted from http://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/structure/buildingblocks-family.html

Copyright © 2015 WSU Child and Family Research Unit. All Rights Reserved.