Routines-Why Teach Them?

Why Teach Routines?

1. Routines help children who have trouble remembering instructions, or who have difficulty with multi-step instructions. When you leave the room and you are not available to repeat the instructions, a routine (when finally learned) can help a child remember the sequence. Repeating instructions or "standing over your child" becomes frustrating for both you and him. Eventually, routines can help reduce nagging and reminders. Begin by writing down the steps of the routine for example, or having some way for your child to remember which steps to follow and in what order.

2. Routines help your child to gradually learn to do some things almost automatically. When daily activities such as bathing,dressing, or getting packed for school are more automatic, your child can do them more easily, without as much messing up, getting distracted or sidetracked.

3. Routines can reduce anxiety and stress for your child. Routines can help to keep kids out of trouble. For example, bedtime might be a difficult time for your child, because it is hard to wind down, or let go of wanting to be with parents. In addition, your child might get ready for bed in a different order each night. Arguing or nagging might create stress and anxiety as well. Following the same routine can be relaxing, because both you and your child know the order of the steps.

4. Routines can also help to avoid some (not all) power struggles. Some children, especially those with attention problems, receive many commands, reminders and "nagging". They begin to tune out, and may be less likely to do what we want. They may even become negative, defiant, or oppositional with their parents. This creates a cycle, because parents become more likely to nag, remind, and feel critical and frustrated with their children.

5. Routines help establish expectations. Parents still have to maintain routines and watch for follow through, but they are not giving directions at every step. Consider the difference: "Now put on our left sock, now your right sock, now your pants." Vs. "What is your routine? Ok, good, what do you do first? Right! Go ahead now." The responsibility for following the routine falls more on the child and the parent is freed from the role of the "bad guy". The child also can feel more in control of herself, which is an enormous boost to her self-esteem and sense of competence.

6. Routines help children who have a difficulty becoming organized or who lose things. If she has a routine such as "put your shoes and backpack by the kitchen door" then possessions are less likely to get lost. A routine about organizing for school, or keeping things together for school can help that child feel ready.

7. Routines help a child who has trouble planning and sequencing. When a task is practiced repeatedly in the same sequence, he can begin to learn the sequence.

8. Rountines also help your child to gradually become more independent and self-managing. Kids with LD, ADHD and other problems often need more help with homework, reminders to stay on track, and help sticking to a schedule. Routines can help you make the gradual transition from you doing a task, to you doing it with your child, to helping him remember the steps, ultimately toward a gradual turning over of responsibility to him. We know this has been frustrating and slow. Many of your children, because of their difficuties in learning, may not be able to be as self-managing, perhaps as soon as your neighbor's kids, or your brother's kids, or even as you were when you were their age. Don't feel guilty. It's a long-term process; routines help you keep the goal in mind.

Nancy J. Warren, Ph.D. Learning Support Center, 2000

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