Routine: How, When and What!

When to set up a new routine

• when you think you aren’t spending enough fun time together
• if you feel a part of your day is out of control and chaotic
• when certain days are always demanding and stressful
• something is regularly causing conflict between your children
• as children grow and develop and their different needs change
• to help change bad habits you have noticed developing.

What makes a good routine

• Well planned
• Regular
• Predictable

Planning a new routine – things to think about…

• They need to meet everyday demands of each member of the family
• Is everyone pulling their weight?
• How you utilise each person’s strengths
• Can the routine become a part of the old one
• How can you make the routine without the need for nagging? Reward charts, Lists in bedroom / bathroom, older children have own alarm clock etc
• What is going to happen if routine doesn’t go to plan

Designing a New Routine

• what is the goal you want to achieve
• what are the steps necessary to reach goal
• which parts can children do on their own and which parts will need parental help
• work out timing of routine
• how can you set the routine up to succeed. What distractions might need to be removed?
• Try to build fun aspects into the routine and how will they work without routine being compromised

Now you know what to do, get some ideas on the different routines that can be set for different times of the day:

Bathtime

Sleeptime

Homework

Exercise

Cleaning

Yearly Family Traditions...

Remember, a good routine is a regular routine!

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