ROUTINES. Your thoughts please.?

Question

I have a 21m old and a 7m old. I have a kind of flexible routine during the day but am wondering if I need something more rigid. My toddler gets pretty whingey and I'm wondering if it will help, but I'm not really a routine-type of person so have my doubts.

What are your thoughts on routines, specifically:

- do you think they help with whingey toddlers?

- or do you think they create inflexible children?

- do you think they suppress spontaneity?

Answer 1

You don't need to be inflexible about a routine, just as long as some of the same things are being done on a regular basis. Most small children thrive on some sort of routine, because it's familiar to them and they feel safe.

Answer 2

Children gain stability from routine, and it is good for them. That doesn't mean that it has to be rigid and that you can't deviate from it and be spontaneous sometimes as well.

Answer 3

I was opposed to the idea of a set routine for the first year or more of my son's life.  But then I started putting him down to nap at set times and offering him his meals and snacks at set times (not exactly to the minute  - but someone routine). And to my surprise, he seemed to take comfort in the routine.  I've learned that children feel safer in their little world when they know what to expect next.  He now sleeps better, eats better and is rarely rarely cranky.