For little kids, especially those under five, the concept of time is really too abstract for them to comprehend. They might say that anything that happened already was “yesterday.” “Yesterday, I went to the mall” when she really is talking about something that she did a week ago.

Schedules and routines give children a sense of predictability to their lives. They might not know that they go to bed at eight o’clock, but they do know that they go to bed after a bath and a bedtime story. Being able to predict what is going to happen next gives young children a sense of safety.

When children feel a sense of control in their lives, their behavior is generally better. Routines help children to predict what is going to happen next so that they can mentally prepare for what is going to happen next. They feel less anxious.

When relatives are visiting or you are travelling, you often lose your normal schedule and routine. Small changes in the routine cause big disruptions in behaviors.  Practicing a routine is just as important during the holiday season as it is any other time of the year. Keeping the routine over the holidays reduces the likelihood of your child burning out or having a temper tantrum.

What can you do to keep a routine?

Plan with your child

Planning with your child makes them feel included and helps them understand what is going on. By having a plan, they will be able to recite to you what exactly you are up to for that day or week. When creating a plan for the holidays, ask them what they want to do. Their plans may even revolve around what food they want to eat or what game they want to play at home. You might be pleasantly surprised at how creative, thoughtful and organized your child is. Another good way to involve them in the holiday schedule is to plan play dates in advance. This will help them begin to understand dates and times and will give them something to look forward to during this time away from their friends.

Maintain regular sleeping patterns

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of a child’s development. Sleep helps your child grow and learn and most young children need up to 13 hours of sleep per day, with at least one daytime nap. Over the holiday period, maintaining that bedtime routine is critical as your child needs time to wind down and the bedtime routine provides them with a sense of comfort and normality. Maintaining your bedtime routine will also prevent your child from experiencing overtiredness and you having to deal with the after effects.

Set a screen time limit

It’s natural that your child may be exposed to more screens while at home for an extended period, but it is incredibly important that you don’t let your children spend all day watching TV or playing on an iPad. Studies have shown that too much screen time exposure can result in your child being sleep-deprived, inattentive and unable to self-soothe. One of the best ways to combat this challenge is by being a role model and minimising the amount of time you spend on your own screens. Play is a crucial part of a child’s development as it enables them to reach milestones such as walking, tying shoelaces and holding a bottle of water.

Have consistent eating habits

By maintaining a routine and providing similar breakfasts and lunches every day, your child is less likely to indulge heavily in tempting treats. Keeping a routine and eating healthy meals also promotes the idea that foods such as a piece of cake or a piece of pizza are a treat and are something to be treasured.

Remember to Play

While plans and maintaining a routine are great, remember your child is a child and possibly doesn’t understand time yet. Play is one of the best ways to keep them entertained and happy over the holidays and one of the ways you can help your child develop even further. During the holiday period take trips to the park, get outside and run around. Let them explore and plan different activities to keep them excited.