Raising a family can be one of the most gratifying experiences but it can also come with unexpected stressors. Between changing diapers, planning meals, and managing a budget, life's pressures can overwhelm you (and your family!). However, jam-packed schedules don't have to result in chaos and fast food every night. One of the best ways to get a handle on your family's hectic life can be as easy as setting up a daily routine.

Why are routines important?

According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), good daily habits during life's early stages determine success. These daily habits, known as a routine, provide a standard way of doing things in a particular order. Patterns offer comfort and stability, create positive daily practices that promote self-care and anchor our busy lives. You may already have routines, like bathing your child and reading them a story before putting them to bed every night. Habits can also help families accomplish tasks while spending time together. In addition, routines establish family expectations of who is responsible for which chores and teach children responsibility while streamlining day-to-day life.

Benefits of routines for children

Routines help adults manage the hustle and bustle of raising a family, and they also help children feel safe and develop a sense of self-efficiency. Research shows meaningful routines can reinforce shared beliefs and values, creating a feeling of belonging and unity in families. In addition, daily routines around everyday tasks, like getting ready in the morning, mealtimes, bath time, and bedtime, can significantly reduce stress, create free time, and make parents feel more successful.

Routines also teach children healthy habits, self-control, and organizational skills. Children from homes where belongings are routinely put away in a designated place learn how easy it can be to find items when needed. Children learn to sit down and complete a task with limited distractions when there is a set time and place to do homework. Children with strong basic self-care routines, like grooming and preparing food, may be more successful in taking care of themselves as adults. When life is organized and consistent, children feel safe, secure, and cared for, especially during stressful or difficult stages of development. By developing a predictable daily routine, children also learn what to expect at various times of the day and experience a sense of control and satisfaction when they complete these tasks.

What makes a good routine?

• Good routines are flexible: The timelines and guidelines of your family's routine should allow room for mistakes. Being young and inexperienced, children are bound to make mistakes. Being rigid or punishing a child for not following a new routine will only make them look at the routine as a bad thing.
• Good routines are fun to follow. Children respond well to fun and games. When you create games out of tasks or chores, the children see their "work" in a new light. Also, make it a point to include fun activities in their routine such as playtime, family movie night, etc. This way, they'll be encouraged to follow it more.
• Good routines promote independence: Families can foster independence in their children by including simple yet essential tasks they must master as they grow. These tasks can include dental hygiene, body hygiene, tidiness, eating etiquette, and being part of the clean-up team.

Here are a few tips on creating your family's routine

• Be consistent with morning routines, as they set the tone for the day and help keep the remaining routines on track.
• Develop a weekly meal plan and post it on your fridge. This helps avoid last-minute meal planning or drive-thru dinners. Children can help with meal planning and preparation!
• Make family activities, like walks or bike riding, part of the routine to encourage family togetherness and physical activity.
• Baths and story time can be soothing and a great way to signal that it's time to get ready for bed.

Remember that setting routines in your home can take time, so be patient with yourself and your family. If you miss a day or fall off your routine, don't stress about it. Instead, pick up where you left off the next time and start over again.