First Steps To Create Routines For Your Kids

Routines are important for us to have and to create for our kids. If kids have no structure and no routines that they can count on, then chaos will rein supreme in their lives and their homes. When kids with ADHD have no routines, then chaos will surely rein supreme at home and everywhere else.

Kids and adults need structure. They need something they can count on to provide stability in their lives. To create structure in your home, you first need to have the belief that you can commit to creating, supporting and sustaining routines for yourself and your family.

Let's first talk about a morning routine for getting out the door. The first step is to implement a daily family meeting. At this meeting family members discuss what steps need to be taken to gather all necessary items and get out the door each morning. Different tasks are discussed and each family member becomes responsible for their individual tasks. A family calendar/schedule will be created and implemented. Tasks will be written onto the calendar/schedule for each day, along with the name of the person responsible for carrying out the task.

These tasks can be written out step-by-step and the family calendar/schedule will be clearly visible in a central location, like a prominent kitchen wall. If kids are very young, you can add illustrations or photos of the tasks they are responsible for.

Tasks and their steps can be written on brightly colored Post-it® notes and placed on bathroom mirrors, next to light switches, on the inside of the front door, or anywhere you or your child can visibly see the note as a reminder before leaving the house. These notes will serve as visual cues as well as road maps to assist all of you in creating new habits.

Many well-intentioned parents start to establish the structure their kids need. Many may quit after a few weeks or even a few days because the routines are not working. They complain that their child just won't listen. He doesn't want to go along with the new routine. Each day may becomes a struggle. Everyone gets tired of fighting and the parents want to give up.

Usually, routines don't work because parents give up too soon. To make structure really work, routines need to be seen and implemented not just as simple behavioral strategies, but as a way of life.

What have your experiences been when trying to create routines and structure in your life?