As adults, we tend to stick to a particular daily schedule, from waking up to going to work to making dinner and any fun activities in between. At times, it can feel monotonous, however, it does offer us a sense of control over our day.
So why should it be any different for children?
Schedules and routines in childcare can greatly benefit children as they grow. We give a few reasons for why that is.
4 Reasons Why Schedules & Routine Is Important For Children
Sense of Control
Schedules and routines allow children to understand how their day will play out. Rarely can young children tell time. However, they can understand structure. If a routine is established for them, they will be able to grasp what sort of activities each day might hold. For example, if snack time is consistently followed by nap time in childcare, children will learn the routine and not feel like they’re simply being pulled from one task to another.
Quicker Learning
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. If children are afforded the opportunity to repeat the same daily schedule, they’ll better learn how each task should be accomplished. For example, if your child sticks to a routine of making their bed every morning, they’ll slowly get better at it over time. However, if this task is more infrequent, they may have to start from step one each time.
More Independence
Naturally, if children are feeling more accomplished and confident in their routine, they’ll feel more secure in the knowledge that they can take the day on more independently. If they know that craft time comes after lunch in childcare, then perhaps they’ll take the initiative to bring out the supplies, as they’ve seen the adults in their lives do in the past.
Take More Risks
If a child has a set routine, they feel a sense of security, almost like a safety net. This allows them to become more imaginative with how they choose to spend their time. This isn’t to say they’ll throw the schedule out the window, but rather, it’s like they are able to get more creative with the colours they choose for a colour-in-the-lines drawing. For example, perhaps your child learned how to make a sandwich. They know when lunch is and they’ve helped you make lunch in the past, so they feel comfortable with that particular time of day. The next step is to make this new sandwich with your help. Now, they’re able to take more control of their routine and add their own input.
Schedules allow children to act more independently and with confidence, while building new relationships and taking on new responsibilities. Just as with most adults, routine allows a child to thrive in their environment.
2000 Days Daycare is the daycare in Calgary SW, where your child will learn, laugh and grow. Our focus is to ensure that the first 2000 days of your child’s life (the most important for development) are maximized. We provide the platform where your child develops the soft skills that can help them communicate effectively, get along with other children, control their emotions, develop self-motivation and help them creatively solve problems. As a family operated and owned SW Calgary daycare centre, we give the extra time, attention and care that your children deserve, so they can develop the skills to excel at school and grow in self-confidence. Feel free to contact us at 403-319-2332 (Extension 1) or book a tour of our Calgary daycare today!
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