An important part of a child’s development is learning trust, understanding routines and developing a sense of their norm—all of which can be established through a structured and routine-based environment. Here, the child education and development specialists at Celebree Learning Centers discuss the benefits of structure and schedules for infants.
Structure and Routine Helps Infants Develop Trust
When an infant’s needs are met, they learn to trust their caretakers. This lays the foundation for them to trust others who come into their life in the future. Without a set routine, infants can be left in a state of uncertainty, not knowing when their needs will be met, which can cause stress for the child. As such, establishing a routine is critical to ensuring infants know that they can trust their caretakers to provide them the love, support and care they require.
Structure and Routine Prepares Infants for the Future
With newborns, parents and caretakers rely on cues like crying to tell them when their baby needs to be fed, changed or put to sleep. But, as newborns become infants, these activities become familiar enough that parents can establish a flexible schedule around them. This phase is important to development, as acclimating your infant to a predictable schedule can prepare them to maintain a schedule as they grow older. Without this preparation in infancy, children can struggle to go to sleep and wake up routinely, eat enough during the day, prepare for daycare or school and more.
Structure and Routine Eliminates Power Struggles
Preparing children to keep schedules by providing structure and routine in infancy can also help to prevent power struggles as they age. Without an understanding of routines, children can feel that they are at the will of their parents, which conflicts with their growing sense of independence. Consequently, toddlers may reject requests to perform certain tasks, making normal activities extremely painstaking. When routines are already in place; however, it feels second nature: children accept the task simply as something that is always done at a certain time of day. This can greatly reduce the need to repeat instructions for tasks, and helps children feel confident and independent as they grow older.
Structure and Routine Allows Children to Handle Changes More Effectively
Change is inevitable, and for most children, is something out of their control. Even a small change, such as moving into a new bed, can be significant for young children. Providing a baseline of structure and routine provides security for children, as it provides expectations and normalcy even when some parts of their lives are changing. In these transition periods, routines can, and often do, provide comfort for young children.
Establishing Routines Allows Parents and Caretakers to Schedule in Time for Connection
Just as parents and caretakers schedule time for meals, baths and sleeping, they should also schedule time to connect and be intimate with their infant. This ensures that the fast pace of everyday life does not take away from the quality time you have with your developing child. It also guarantees that your baby is receiving the love and nurturing they require. Try scheduling time for cuddles before bed, or before mealtime.
Choosing an Educational Center that Reinforces Your Routine
When deciding on an educational center to help care for your infant, it is important to choose one that values structure and routine. This will help further instill a sense of security in your child, and transition successfully to toddlerhood. At Celebree Learning Centers, our talented teachers work to provide a safe and structured environment for your child, which allows them to feel cared for and nurtured. To learn more about our educational and nurturing infant programs, contact us today!