It Goes Both Ways
If you talk to a pediatrician they’ll tell you that kids need a routine, a structure to their lives. When to eat. When to play. When to nap. The bed time routine. It’s important for development. You can talk to a coach of a sport, a therapist, your kids math tutor or music teacher. The way through is with structure and routine.
When your kids are young structure and routine matter. It helps shape their world. Days are less chaotic. There is less to worry about. And parents when the day is just not going your way or you feel off, the routine helps keep things on track. It’s a safety net. It’s comfortable.
So parents and guardians, this is true also for you. Much is talked about the morning routine (more on this with tomorrow’s blog post). Are you creating one of your own? A routine for your morning. A routine for your work day. A night time routine. Something to improve your health and fitness. A routine with your money so that you feel in control of it.
You ensure that the kids have breakfast, lunch and dinner. But you skip breakfast because you don’t have time. You barely eat lunch because you’re too busy at work and dinner is the first thing you see on the way home. You give the kids a set number of shows to watch each night or a set number of minutes to watch tv. Yet, here you are binge watching a show for 5 hours. Then wake up tired the next morning
You’re strict with their bed time, what about yours? You read them a book, keep the lights dim and create the environment for good and healthy sleep. And you don’t do this for yourself. You give them play time and yet for you, there is no such play?
They need it. You need it. The same rules apply. By keeping a routine and structure for yourself, it’s easier to keep one for them. Life is less chaotic. Your days are filled with less decisions and you’ll feel more in control of your day. Just how your routine and structure for them makes you feel.
Thought Provoking Questions : What would an ideal morning for you be? Not the kids or your partner, for you. What would a work routine do for you? Have you tried a night time routine for yourself?
Dan Roman is a Husband, Father, and writer that releases a daily blog. A quick read. Sharing wisdom and asking thought-provoking questions.
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