Be Consistent with Routines and Expectations to Provide Security
Ever feel like your toddler is a tiny lawyer, cross-examining you about why bedtime is suddenly at 8:07 instead of 8:00? Welcome to the courtroom of 'Routine & Order.' If you crave less drama and more predictability (for your kid and your own sanity), this is your daily script—just don’t expect your three-year-old client to always stick to it.
Kids’ brains are basically little pattern-finding machines. When life is predictable, their nervous systems relax, stress hormones chill out, and the world feels less like a surprise party thrown by a caffeinated raccoon. For parents, routines mean fewer power struggles and more moments where you can pretend you have your life together.
How to do it
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Choose one routine to focus on, such as bedtime or morning.
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Write down each step of the routine, no matter how simple or obvious it seems.
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Announce the routine to your child with enthusiasm, as if you’re hosting a game show.
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Follow the steps in the same order every time, even if your child jokes or protests along the way.
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If you make a mistake, laugh it off and remind yourself you can always try again tomorrow.
- Tip: Use the same silly catchphrase each time you start the routine—kids love repetition and humor!
- Tip: Consistency helps your child know what to expect and makes routines smoother over time.