Parents and teachers throughout the centuries have often relied on routine and rhythm to create a sense of calm and control in children in their homes and classrooms.

Whilst I do not advocate ruling with the iron-fist, I do strongly believe in creating peace and harmony and feelings of safety and protection by creating nurturing routines and rhythms in the home and classroom.  From a place of love, harmony and connectedness to our inner wisdom.

When children are enveloped in a rhythmic and predictable pattern of sleep, play and life, they are much more able to cope with the stresses of life, particularly in this age of fast paced and out of control living.  A home or classroom environment that allows for predictable events and happenings, invites children to feel comfortable and supported in knowing what is yet to come in their week.  When children are living in an energy of quickness, nervous energy and of unpredictability, they react with behaviours and actions that match. (Not ideal!)

However, this does not mean that we can’t allow for the odd change in our routine, every now and then….. things happen to throw us out of our routine, but we do need to commit to becoming aware of this and jumping back on board our routine and regime’ bus as soon as we can.  Without judgement or panic!!

As parents and teachers, we are often so busy fitting everything in in our own day, and rushing from here to there, and there to here, we find it challenging to create a supportive and rhythmic family routine on purpose.

That is unless we consciously sit down and feel into it.

That is unless we slow down enough to really see how we can make life much easier so that it flows easily rather than bounces from one hectic activity to another, and then we fall in a heap at the end of the day. 

So, how do we use routine and rhythm in our days and nights to create a supportive and caring environment in which our children can grow and develop with confidence and inner strength?

Simply start with one situation in your family that is not working, figure out what you want to change it to, and then do that at the same time each day/night/week. If you forget or miss the routine change, don’t sweat it, just do it the next day and start again.  By following nurturing and supportive routines in your family or classroom, you are setting your children up with a wonderful life strategy that will stand them in good stead for a brilliant life.

And when that routine is a normal part of your child’s life, then choose something else you would like to change and choose a new routine/rhythm. Continue as you become more confident and courageous in changing your routines.