[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16.1″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” min_height=”65px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px||-80px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”3233.8px” custom_margin=”48px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”90px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Children and teens thrive on routine. Having a clear structure for their day – from getting ready for school to prepping for bedtime – not only makes things run smoothly and avoids arguments, but helps their development too. That\u2019s without even mentioning how beneficial routines are to your family relationships and stress levels. But <\/span>how do you create a family routine that works for everyone – and why exactly are they so important?<\/b> Let\u2019s take a look.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Though your day may naturally tend towards some kind of routine, creating a defined plan may seem like overkill at first. However, there\u2019s a whole lot of research showing that well-defined, <\/span>daily routines have a huge range of benefits for children<\/b>. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Improved language and social development<\/strong><\/p>\n Planning your day enables you to protect time to spend with your kids, away from their devices – even if just to sit down and eat dinner together. This time provides the perfect <\/span>opportunity for younger children to<\/b> develop their language skills<\/b><\/a>, whether it\u2019s through telling stories about their day or from observing and learning about polite behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Higher academic success<\/strong><\/p>\n Simply having a routine in the first place, no matter what it is, goes some way to <\/span>helping your kids succeed at school<\/span><\/a>. But how? It turns out that having an organized home life <\/span>eases the transition into the structure of the school day<\/b>. It also helps kids to feel more in control of their time and therefore improves their independence as they move through the school years. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Increased sense of safety<\/strong><\/p>\n Imagine you\u2019re constantly going about your day being told to do things with no understanding of why, or what\u2019s coming up next. Stressful, right? That\u2019s how it can feel for kids! <\/span>Knowing what to expect from the upcoming day helps children of all ages feel calm<\/b>, secure, and looked after.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Better family bonds<\/strong><\/p>\n A good routine provides regular opportunities for your family to spend time together. Whether that\u2019s at meal times or family game nights, these moments provide space to <\/span>build strong relationships and feel like a team<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Healthier online-offline balance<\/strong><\/p>\n Children spend an <\/span>average of 4 hours on devices each day<\/span><\/a> – not including time spent while at school. It\u2019s easy for kids and parents alike to pick up a device to fill a quiet moment and then fall into a <\/span>TikTok<\/span><\/a>-shaped rabbit hole. Having a strong routine can <\/span>help your child prevent mindless scrolling<\/b>, and ensure any screen time they do have is positive and productive.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Reduced parent stress<\/strong><\/p>\n As a parent, you always have a lot to juggle. Home, work, school, your social life, your kids\u2019 social life – it adds up quickly. <\/span>Having to constantly make decisions throughout the day only makes things more stressful<\/b>. A lack of structure also opens up opportunities for your kids to constantly make requests, whether it\u2019s for one more TV programme or some time on their tablet. Having clear rules about when things can happen not only makes you feel more organized, but avoids these potential grounds for conflict.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2024\/02\/19143354\/2024-02-Blog_HowtocreateafamilyroutineInside-Image.png” alt=”lemon8 for teens, a safety guide for parents” title_text=”Creating a family routine” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t sat down to create a defined routine before, it may feel overwhelming. But it doesn\u2019t have to! You can <\/span>get started with just a few easy steps <\/b>– and don\u2019t forget that you can always adapt your plan as you go along to ensure it really works for you.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Start with the bigger picture<\/strong><\/p>\n To get started, make a list of the main parts of your family\u2019s day. This could include activities like getting ready for school, doing homework, having dinner, and prepping for bedtime.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n 2. Fill in the detail<\/strong><\/p>\n Then, get more specific. What does your family need (or want) to accomplish in each part of the day? A bedtime routine for example might include brushing teeth, a bath or shower, and time for reading. Make a list and then write down an estimate of how much time each step could take. This is also a good moment to think about whether each activity should involve devices, or if they can be screen-free. Our <\/span>printable digital agreements<\/span><\/a> will help you here.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n 3. Schedule the day<\/strong><\/p>\n Put all of your daily activities and timeframes together. You can now estimate when each one needs to take place to give you enough time to do all of them.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n 4. Get your family\u2019s input<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, make sure that your family is happy with your plan. Check that you haven\u2019t missed anything, and that timings make sense. When you\u2019ve agreed, help everyone to ensure they know their routine – younger children will need more help in this regard. Remember, this is an outline for your daily routine – if plans change at the last minute, that\u2019s ok!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For each part of your daily routine, your kids will need different levels of access to devices. Maybe you want dinner time to be completely screen-free, while homework time lets them access educational websites. <\/span>Parental controls<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Qustodio\u2019s routines feature<\/b> in particular, make this easy. You can <\/span>schedule different device rules throughout the day to suit your family\u2019s routine<\/b>. And, with 4 readymade rule sets available, they\u2019re easy to set up! You can:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Schedule study time<\/strong><\/p>\n The study preset is set up to enable your child to access educational resources – while blocking distracting apps and websites like online games. While we recommend setting this during school time, you could extend it to cover homework time too!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Give more flexibility for entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n Use the entertainment preset when you want to give your kids some more freedom to play on their devices – perhaps as part of your after school routine. It keeps unsafe content blocked, but allows access to games and entertainment apps.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Help them stay focused<\/strong><\/p>\n The focus preset blocks their devices\u2019 internet connections so they can <\/span>focus on offline activities<\/span><\/a>. Try this preset to help your kids really enjoy their offline hobbies.<\/span><\/p>\nWhy is it important to have a family routine?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to create a family routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How parental controls can help<\/strong><\/h2>\n