Families

Developing a schedule that works for your family can help promote cohesiveness in the household. Routines can help alleviate stress for adults and children alike. For young children, a schedule can help develop a routine, gain stability and an understanding of what is expected of them. Routines can help alleviate stress for adults and children alike. Any functional schedule requires much, time, patience, and practice to become routine. It is unlikely that a schedule will be mastered within one week, however, the consistency, will promote discipline. Once the routine is developed, understand that small adjustments for an adult can feel very big for a child mood. Helping them through these adjustments by being patient with them will show them that change happens sometimes and is okay.

Finding ways to communicate with your child on a level of their own understanding, can increase their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Creating this bond at a young age, will foster open communication between you and your child(ren) as they grow. Understanding the appropriate places and times to check in with your child, will help them further their level of trust with you. The dinner table is a common place for families to connect. Car rides and winding down for bed are great “down time” options to have conversations as well.

Like many adults, children usually do not find chores enjoyable. Since responsibilities are inevitable, finding ways to make them more fun will benefit you and your child in the long run. Including your child(ren) while running errands and completing (age appropriate) chores not only help them feel that they have a place in their home, it also creates a sense of achievement.

Example: Singing "Clean up, clean up every body do your share..." while cleaning up toys.

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Mistakes are going to happen. teaching your child how to react when things do not go according to plan will help them learn emotional regulation. Children often imitate others reactions in unfamiliar situations. Learning to laugh off minor mistakes will help your little one understand it was just an accident and it is okay. The more serious mistakes should be followed by conversations. This conversation should explain why they should try hard to avoid making the same mistake and how the mistake can be avoided in the first place. It is important to keep this conversation light,  but memorable. We want the child to learn in a fun way.