CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 08/06/12

Routines important for parents and children

By Merritt Melancon

Children may rebel against set bedtimes or homework times when parents first introduce them, but that doesn’t mean they don’t crave structure.

Studies have shown that clear, consistent routines help a child’s brain develop strong connections, said Diane Bales, a child development specialist with the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Getting children used to going to bed at a regular time, eating dinner at a set time and doing homework at a certain time helps them feel secure in their world and can also bring order to hectic family lives of their parents.

“We know from brain development research that (routines) give children a sense of security,” Bales said. “Routines also strengthen connections in the brain. So it’s not just a good idea to keep your child on a routine, it’s important for brain development.”

Communicating with children about what is expected of them will help them adapt to a set bedtime or morning routine. They need to know that they will take a bath at 7 p.m., wind down and then crawl into bed at 8 p.m. Consistency is also key, Bales said.

While children may reject the implementation of a set bedtime or morning routine at first, Bales warns parents not to give up.

“Testing the limits is part of what kids do,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that they don’t need the routine or that a set bedtime won’t work for them.”

Bales shares these tips for implementing new routines or changing routines:

  • Change bed times gradually. Instead of moving a bedtime from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m. the first week of school, start moving bedtime 15 minutes earlier beginning a week or two before school starts, and add 15 minutes each week until children are going to bed at the ideal time. -
  • Plan relaxation and wind down time for 30 minutes or so before bedtime. This should be a time without exciting games or television. If bath time seems to energize your child, give him a bath earlier in the evening — not right before bedtime. -
  • In the morning and at mealtimes use a “To-Do” chart to remind children of things they need to do and in what order. -
  • If a bedtime, mealtime or morning routine has to change for some reason, talk to your child about the upcoming change before hand and tell him what to expect on the days when the routine is altered.

Developing a consistent daily routine gives children the sense of security they need to succeed in school, and helps parents manage the demands of their hectic daily lives.

Merritt Melancon, a public relations manager for the UGA Terry College of Business, previously served as a public relations coordinator for the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Extension.

Authors:
Merritt Melancon
Experts/Sources:
Diane W Bales
This photo represents pseudo-colored MRI T1 maps of a Zika-infected chicken embryo. The embryo was infected with the Zika virus at a time associated with the first trimester of a human pregnancy. The photo captures a well-developed chicken embryo within the egg, and lesion within the brain, attributed to the Zika virus infection. CAES News
Neurodevelopmental model of Zika may provide rapid answers 10/20/16 Charlene Betourney
A University of Georgia graduate student is using early stage chicken embryos to monitor the progression of the Zika virus. By collecting data on how the virus affects brain development, researchers at UGA can pinpoint the best treatments to stop or slow the progression of early-stage microcephaly, a rare birth defect linked to the Zika virus.
Former Georgia 4-H State Leader Bo Ryles, Grady County 4-H volunteer extraordinaire Yvonne Childs and current Georgia 4-H State Leader Arch Smith at an awards ceremony at National 4-H Council in Chevy Chase, Maryland. CAES News
Georgia 4-H volunteer recognized with top national service award 10/07/16 Merritt Melancon, Josh Paine
Yvonne Childs, a 4-H Youth Development volunteer for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension’s Grady County office, was recognized as the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer during the National 4-H Council Heritage Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 7. Part of the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, it is the most prestigious award given each year to a person with 10 or more years as a 4-H volunteer.
A group of students enjoys canoeing on the lake at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Ga. CAES News
Georgia 4-H celebrates National 4-H Week Oct. 2-8 09/29/16 Sharon Dowdy
Georgia 4-H’s 172,354 student members will celebrate National 4-H Week Oct. 2-8. During the week, the state’s largest youth development organization wants to raise awareness of the program that started as a club for farm kids and has grown into a place that helps youth become successful and confident adults.
University of Georgia Griffin Campus student Joshua Hamilton (center) is shown leading a group of high school students through a science experiment on the college campus. The high school students' visit to campus helped Hamilton fulfill a new UGA service-learning requirement. UGA students must complete an activity, outside of the classroom, that helps someone in their community. CAES News
UGA Griffin students lead science experiment for Griffin High School students 09/28/16 Sharon Dowdy
A group of Griffin High School biology students visited the University of Georgia Griffin Campus last week to conduct a science experiment under the direction of college students. The UGA students learned to give back to the community and the high school students were exposed to college life and scientific laboratory equipment.
Georgia 4-H members have been collecting aluminum pop tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities for the past 15 years. CAES News
Georgia 4-H members need pop tabs to reach 15-year goal for Ronald McDonald House Charities 09/06/16 Sharon Dowdy
Georgia 4-H members have collected aluminum pop tabs to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia for the past 15 years. The students need to collect 16,500 pounds of the tiny tabs by Nov. 5 to reach their goal, a total 15-year donation of $100,000.
Family members of all ages can join in the fun and play "Pokemon Go." The game was designed to encourage activity, but University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts say be mindful of your surroundings and don't focus just on the game. CAES News
“Pokemon Go” brings families together and provides exercise 08/31/16 Keishon Thomas
A new technological craze has invaded our towns and cities. “Pokemon Go” has people wandering around aimlessly, looking at their phones. Because “catching” those little characters can be distracting, players sometimes put themselves into dangerous situations as a result of being unaware of their surroundings. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension urges “Pokemon Go” players to be alert at all times.