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FAMILY
the THING ABOUT ROUTINES WORDS : KAT Y S M IT H
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P H OTOG R A P H Y : K in d e l Med i a o n p exel s .co m
n the very beginning of the pandemic, I had been in my home for ten days with my daughter and her two small — really, really small — kids. Frank was nearly three and Fletcher was just six months old. We were on a mission to do our best to sort out the new realities of the world while keeping the boys, and ourselves, as safe as we possibly could. I have had a lot of time to reflect on what is really important in the lives of families. I am reminded about what a gift routines are to the lives of children, no matter how old they are, especially when their lives are disrupted.
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:: areawomanmagazine.com
Routines give children a sense that there is order in the world, even when your whole world is in your home. Routines offer security in a stressful time. Routines give a cadence to the day. Routines help children regulate their behavior and their feelings. When children know what to expect, they do better. With months of social distancing behind us and an uncertain journey still ahead of us, it seems to be a good time to consider a routine. No need to run for the chart paper and markers, routines with young children do not need to be rigid. Give yourself some grace, make it fit for you and your children. Design your daily routine to be a comfort, not a stress. For those of you living with little children, I will offer you the following elements of a routine in honor of the little folks you live with.
Smooth Transitions: Comings and goings are so important to children. Outdoor Time: Children play to the space. They play bigger, wilder, louder and most creatively in nature. Put the sun on their faces and the wind in their hair. Put outdoor time on repeat in your routine playlist. Resting time: Cuddle up. Nap. There is no better resilience-builder than sleep for your children, and for you. You might be surprised to see just how much sleep you really need.
Creative time: Make some time in the day to be creative. It is often in this space that children can express how they feel. Art, even for small children is a window into their minds and hearts. Mail those treasures to people you love.