Children’s lives have been completely turned upside down by this pandemic. With many Families working at home, and children not attending care, the daily rhythm and routine of life has been drastically changed. This can be especially distressing for infants and young toddlers who are unable to understand this new world in which they can’t go to school to see their friends, and they have to stay 1.5 metres apart from the people they love.
Why Routines are Important for Children
Routines provide children with a sense of comfort and structure, which is important to their overall sense of well-being. With a routine in place, children know what to expect and Families have a clear structure for the day. When routines are implemented consistently, both you and your child will feel a stronger sense of security.
Managing Routines When Working from Home
In a household where one or both parents may be working from home, implementing and maintaining a routine can be especially difficult. Families have been faced with many challenges over the last few months, not the least of which has been having to become their child’s Educator to support their learning from home, while also working from home, and not to mention the normal everyday responsibilities of being a parent….it’s no wonder Families may be feeling overwhelmed!
One way to maintain routine while also providing enriching experiences for children, is to involve them in daily life around the house. Invite children to participate in your routine, such as making breakfast, helping to sort the laundry, or simply going for a walk. For more intentional learning experiences, our UP at Home learning resources are available via Storypark and Educa, to support Families with educational activities and ideas.
Our Top 5 Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Routine at Home:
- Involve your child in daily activities
- Use UPatHome to support you with intentional teaching activities
- Be flexible, and be kind to yourself if things don’t always go as planned
- Let your child lead the way – plan activities around their interests and
follow their lead - Display your child’s routine in a visual way, so they can see what’s
coming next!
