Routines for Toddlers and Infants? Are they important?

Yes, routines are important for this age group.

Should my routine for my toddler or infant match my child care routine? Not necessarily. In fact, it would be almost impossible to match your little one’s child care routine to your home routine.

 

If you think about it, in comparing child care verses your home, there are a few differences. Some of those differences are: 

 

·         environment/surroundings

·         noise level

·         space

·         setup of furniture

·         ratio of playmates

·         boundaries

·         attachments to your little one’s favorite things

·         the natural bonding with Mommy & Daddy and siblings

·         parenting style

You might have noticed how your little one behaves differently at home, compared to how he behaves in child care. When your little one is at home with you, he may transition to what I like to call “home mode”. The opposite happens when he is in child care, as he may transition to what I like to call “child care” mode.

With my own experience, in my child care setup, I would figure out a routine that works for each little one. Many times, parents have expressed that, when they try to duplicate the same routine at home, they haven’t been as successful. This is normal and I completely understand.

However, I would like to express how a routine is important even at home. While he is in the “home mode”, together you can figure out a routine that works for him. Some kind of routine on a daily basis is important. Why is this important? Here are some benefits:

·         minimize temper tantrums and maximize improved behavior

·         helps them feel more secure as they anticipate what to expect of their day

·         your flow of the day gets easier

·         minimize some of the stresses of the day

·         as they grow up, they will become self-sufficient, more confident

·         to influence the structure, health, and emotional climate of families

·         makes a difference when it comes to positive outcomes, like academic success and emotional well-being

For toddlers and older children, if anything, try to create a routine around the same time frames for feeding, naps, and bedtime. For instance, if you wanted to go out together with family shopping, you may have a more enjoyable time with your little one, when you know he’s been fed and had his nap.

Some behavioral issues might come up that may cause some conflict in the child care environment. This is when it’s a good idea to keep an open communication about what type of adjustment in the routine at home, can help ease the conflict in child care.

Hope you find this helpful,

*Iva