From the moment they’re born, parents try to get their children into some form of routine. From feeding and sleeping through to playing and learning – and if you’re fortunate, children might even establish their own routine. You know, it’s not all that uncommon for a child to eat and fill their nappy at the same or very similar time each day.
That being said, not all children fall into routines easily, and if we’re honest, things like illness or even teething can upset that routine, taking weeks to reset.
Childcare plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a routine for children, and this routine has numerous benefits for their overall development.
We explore how childcare helps children get into a routine and how much easier it is to fall back into a routine if they happen to be interrupted.
Sleep
Childcare services often follow structured nap times, creating a consistent sleep schedule for children. Having a regular sleep routine helps children establish healthy sleep patterns, ensuring they get adequate rest, which is vital for their physical and cognitive development.
Consistent sleep routines promote better concentration, memory retention, and emotional well-being.
Children who attend childcare know more about sleep than most children.
Carmel Morabito, founder of Calm Babies says, “Children who go to childcare get my program and learn quickly. They are very easily sleep-trained. They’re used to the educator being there and they’re very resilient.”
Read more about what Carmel has to say about transitioning from a cot to a bed
Feeding and nutrition
Childcare services typically follow set meal and snack times. By following regular meal schedules, children develop healthy eating habits and learn to recognise hunger and fullness cues rather than eating through boredom.
Consistent feeding routines contribute to balanced nutrition and reduce the likelihood of excessive or inadequate food intake.
Childcare facilities often provide well-balanced meals and snacks that meet nutritional guidelines. By exposing children to a variety of nutritious foods, childcare services help to establish healthy eating habits and expose children to different flavours and textures, expanding their palate.
Regular meal routines also promote a stable blood sugar level, supporting sustained energy and cognitive function.
Sense of safety
A regular routine in childcare creates a predictable, familiar, and emotionally supportive environment for children. It:
- Provides stability
- Establishes boundaries and expectations
- Promotes emotional regulation
- Allows children to have a sense of control
All of these factors contribute to a child's overall sense of safety, well-being, and security in a childcare setting.
Developmental benefits
Social, emotional, and brain development
A consistent routine in childcare provides a predictable environment for children. This predictability fosters a sense of security, reduces anxiety, and promotes cognitive development.
Children become familiar with their educators, surroundings, activities, and expectations, which enhances their cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation.
Childcare settings provide opportunities for children to interact with their peers and caregivers. A structured routine offers consistent social interactions and emotional support, helping children develop social skills, emotional resilience, and empathy.
It also promotes a sense of belonging and builds positive relationships.
Language and communication
Childcare environments often prioritise language development. Regular routines in childcare provide ample opportunities for children to engage in conversations, storytelling, and participate in group activities. These interactions stimulate language and communication skills, vocabulary acquisition, and expressive abilities.
Physical development
Childcare routines often include age-appropriate physical activities, such as outdoor playtime, games, and exercises. Regular engagement in physical activities helps children develop gross and fine motor skills, coordination, strength, and overall physical well-being.
Independence and self-care
Consistent routines in childcare encourage independence and self-care skills. Routines promote:
- Predictability
- Structured tasks
- Encouragement and support
- Time management
- Choice and autonomy
Through these elements, children gradually gain independence and develop self-care skills, building their confidence, competence, and sense of responsibility for their own needs and well-being.
All these benefits work together to create a nurturing and supportive environment for children to grow, learn, and thrive.
