In our “Cultivate… COPING and create structure around school at home” post, we discussed the importance of structuring each day for minimal interruptions and to ensure work is being done doing work time. But did you know that daily routines can also help strengthen family relationships? Daily routines offer many benefits to children and structuring the home environment can help enhance children’s sense of safety and belonging.
When we structure our day, we need to be sure that we schedule time for fun family activities and healthy routines. Everyone sitting down together at the table for dinner is an example of a healthy routine and scheduling at least 30 minutes for outdoor play would be an example of a fun family activity. Scheduling certain times of the day for work/school work and some family fun will help our children feel safe and secure during these unprecedented times.
Building routines that foster wellness and reduce stress – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/thinking-about-kids/202003/campus-closed-structuring-your-day-will-foster-success
Family routines: how and why they work – https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/family-life/routines-rituals-relationships/family-routines
Oklahoma Dept. of Education’s sample schedule for instruction learning by age – https://sde.ok.gov/distancelearning#essential-resources-for-families
OKPTA Cultivate 