Routine...?

Question

I've noticed quite a few people are against routine and schedule. Why is that? How can you handle not having a routine and knowing what to expect?

For people who do have routine; why do you feel it is important?

I do not think there is anything wrong with not having a routine--I just don't know any other way.

My husband doesn't see

Sorry I had my son on my lap and he hit enter! Anyway--My husband doesn't seem to understand the point of routine.

Answer 1

People are amazed when they see my 3 year old get ready for bed. All I have to say is "time for bed". He stops whatever he was doing, puts his toys away, goes to brush his teeth, gives everyone hugs, and goes to bed. This is why routine is important. There is rarely any fighting and screaming during a structured schedule. I have had neighbors who's children never took naps (1 and 2 years old) and never had a scheduled bedtime) These kids were the most grumpy and miserable kids I have ever met. Of course I know it isn't their fault. It just makes me sad.

Answer 2

Some sort of routine is needed but some folks go way overboard clocking the childs every move and running the household like a bootcamp. Parents have to be somewhat flexible..kids are people too! A bed time is a good routine to have of course but I have seen some women here on Yahoo that are a little crazy when it comes to certain things. For example, I saw a "routine" like this for a 2 year old child.

7 AM - wake up
7:15 - eat breakfast
7:45 - Use the potty and wash up
8 AM - Color
8:15 - snack
8:30 - free play time

And so on and so on. This routine went on and on until 7:30 at night when it was time for bed. To boring and uninteresting!

Answer 3

I have 5 children, and twins on the way. We have a definite routine in my house. Each age group goes to bed at a certain time, showers in the same order, even brush their teeth in the same order. We eat dinner at almost the same time every day. We have homework time, play time, and Saturdays are usually a home free day because we have other family things to do (parties, etc).

It makes life a lot easier on all of us. My kids don't argue when it's time for bed. They know I can't help the clock. I have strict rules when we go out into public appearances - if they act up, we immediately go home. So, they don't act up. Sure, we have our wild & crazy times, and sometimes if it's been raining for days the kids get stressed out...but for the most part - our lives are awesome.

This also helps keep sanity in my life. If I didn't have schedules...my kids would be running rampid thru the house on a constant basis, screaming their heads of in grocery stores, and my house would be a complete mess. I learned very quickly to correlate everything, so as I can budget my time with each child, they have their group times, as well as their friend & independent times. And, I also can squeeze in some "me" time too.

Children need structure. It gives them a sense of security, something that they know they can depend on. It's what makes home - home.

My kids are in advanced curriculums, they are extremely intelligent children. Usually a person will say "wow! You've got 5!" but then after a few minutes, they ask me how I do it. Because for some reason, it seems amazing to people that mine are well behaved. And when I reply to them, I just say "i love them."

Answer 4

Amazing! My boy's father doesn't understand either!
I am not a super-organized person but I have our son on a regular nap and bedtime routine & schedule. He's 20 months.
I figure that with a child this age what keeps him happy is enough rest and food. The rest is play time! When you see a child melting down you KNOW it's because they are either tired or hungry.
My little guy is such a happy one! I can see the difference in his behavior if he doesn't get enough sleep or enough to eat.

That being said, I have always stated that parents should parent their child as they feel is best! Just like I do!

Answer 5

we didn't have a routine for a long time. Then I got tired of the "not listening" so I set some rules. I find a routine benefits EVERYONE. 7:00 pm my daughter gets a bath. by 7:30 she's out and dressed and settling down for a snack. We make her sit down on the couch and relax for about a half hour. She's in bed around 8:00 after she brushes her teeth. I love it. my husband goes to school in the evenings, so sometimes he needs a few nights for studying. We go to bed at 10. I just need to relax and get a few things done around the house after she goes to bed, cleaning up the living room area, doing dishes. I save most of that for when she's in bed so I can spend all my time with her when I get home from work. Plus my daughter doesn't get naps anymore, she's 4. so it's easier for her to fall asleep at 8:00

Answer 6

For most children routine helps to set their internal clocks.

routine like sleep and naps and eating helps them adjust to the world we live in. Which is full of routine.
It helps the child with anxiety also. If they know what is going to happen next they do not have to worry about it.
Children have it hard enough as it is.
Routine also helps to keep the baby on schedule. Who needs a baby awake at 1am in the morning!

Not having a routine isn't the end of the world either. many children can cope with it fine. It is best to see what YOUR child's needs are and not what you want your child's needs to be.

Answer 7

I work full time...so havign a routine for mysle fand my son works really well...he is 2...and started his own routine at 2-1/2 weeks when he started sleeping through the night. We still follow the same routine...in bed by 8-8:30, and up earkly 3 mornings a week. It keeps you sane on a routine

Answer 8

Children feel secure when they know what will happen next. The way you feel good when something you were expecting to happen does happen. Children just need it a little more than adults. Most people have a bit of a routine without even thinking about it. You wake up, eat breakfast, take a shower, brush your teeth, get dressed, read the paper, go to work, ....etc...

Children are better behaved when they know what's next.

Answer 9

we don't have a schedule because i have never been and will never be a schedule kind of person. i just make sure that when i do something i do it the same no matter what time of day it is. like when hes hungry i put him in the high chair and give him some cheerios to snack on while i make his food, then after i clean him up, and then we play. so i guess i do have a routine, its just not set to a time clock.

Answer 10

I don't go by a routine. My sister swears by them. Somethings I do routines like bath, feed, read or watch tv then bedtime at the same times. (for the most part) Life is nothing but a routine. I think I would like it to be anything goes before to long my child will be in the same slump we all are in. Life is so repetitious. I hate it.