Routines
Ask the experts and they will extol the benefits of establishing meaningful routines in the life of a child from birth right on through the teen years. Children thrive on routine. The structure produces security, teaches responsibility, increases productivity and, believe it or not, reduces many of those frustrating behavioral problems. Sound interesting? Read on.
Simply defined, a routine is a predictable order or pattern for those recurring elements or events in our day. So much of youth is wasted in idleness and fruitless activities; routines provide a structure for various times in the day, not necessarily a rigid schedule but indeed a meaningful and orderly plan orchestrated with purpose and kept in check by wise parental assessment.
To establish effective routines begin by focusing on the big picture; what needs to be accomplished in the course of a typical week? Then assign activities to various days. Some routines will reoccur daily, weekly or seasonally. Some will correspond to particular times of the day such as early morning, mealtime, after-school or bedtime routines. Household chores, various music and skill developments and the like need specific time slots as well.
Establish routines with clarity - all the expectations clearly spelled out. Some may require hands-on demonstrations from mom, dad or an older sibling, then progressing to a joint participation with the child in preparation for that transfer of responsibility. Charts and checklists work great to make sure all the elements of a task are attended to. As routines are performed regularly family members should be encouraged to look for ways to perform them quicker and more effectively. You may be pleasantly surprised with the creativity children demonstrate as they work to become more proficient with their responsibilities, and don’t forget to be generous with sincere praise and words of affirmation for their diligence and faithfulness.
People are creatures of habit and the formation of useful habits or routines do not occur accidentally. Ask God for the wisdom to build meaningful routines into the lives of your children that will bolster their faith, their skills and their character. Then pray for the discernment to properly and continually motivate them so that these routines become part of the very fabric of their adult life.