Morning Routine
Having a morning routine can make the difference between total chaos and a smooth start to the day. Everyone in the family will benefit when the first hour of their day is calm. The day should start with an established wake-up time that gives everyone enough time to get everything done without rushing. An example of a morning routine is as follows:
Rise and shine Eat breakfast Get dressed Brush teeth Collect things needed for the day, such as lunch, homework, or jacket Off to school
Dinner Routine
Dinner is usually the one meal of the day when there is a chance for everyone to be together. Nowadays, people often rush through dinner or eat separately. That is a shame. Sitting down to a family meal can be a wonderful time in the day. It can give you the chance to hear about everyone’s day and reinforce the family unit. Even if you realistically can’t all have a sit-down dinner together every night, try to establish several nights a week that are meant for family dinners. Even if you are eating take-out food, set the table properly with plates, utensils, glasses, and napkins.
Bedtime Routine
One of the most important routines for a child is the one at bedtime. Children who have a set of things to do every night before they go to bed will be calmer and able to fall asleep more easily. Bedtime should be the same every night, and the routine should start 30 to 45 minutes before “lights out.” A suggestion for a bedtime routine for younger children is as follows:
Take a shower or bath Put on pajamas Brush teeth Read a bedtime story Talk about the day Bedtime with hugs and kisses
As your children get older, they will establish their own routine. But it’s still important to give them a regular bedtime and make sure they stick to it.
Sunday Pancakes
One fun routine is to have a special weekly meal. As a family, you might make pancakes every Sunday for breakfast. Each child could be given a task: help measure the flour, crack the eggs, or stir the batter. You could try different recipes and even create your own family pancake recipe. Or you could make Wednesday night “macaroni and cheese night.” By having an enjoyable routine on Sunday mornings or another time in the week, you will be creating wonderful memories for your children, as well as providing them with something to count on.
Birthdays
Birthdays are fun for everyone in the family. Here are some ideas to make birthdays special in your house:
Have a traditional family birthday cake. Create and sing a family birthday song. Tell family stories on birthdays. Look at birthday photos from the year before. Make breakfast in bed for the birthday person.
