Sticking to Routine

Routines are how families organise themselves to get things done, spend time together and have fun. Every family has its own unique routines. Routines help family members know who should do what, when, in what order and how often.

For example, your family might have:

• daily routines for work and school mornings, bath time, bedtime, mealtimes, greetings and goodbyes
• weekly routines for housework, like washing and cleaning
• other routines involving holidays and extended family get-togethers.

Family life is often smoother with a few routines, but there’s more to routines than this.

Routines also let your children know what’s important to your family. For example, really special routines are sometimes called rituals. These can help strengthen your shared beliefs and values, and build a sense of belonging and togetherness in your family.

Teenagers: ideas for daily routines

Older children and teenagers might grow out of, or start to challenge, some routines. You’ll probably need to be flexible and adapt routines as your children get older. For example, you might need to change bedtime routines or the chores that children do around the house.

For teenagers, you could have routines for:

• doing laundry or other chores like making beds and cleaning rooms
• doing homework
• doing after-school activities, including hobbies or sport.
• doing chores – for example, setting the dinner table, unpacking the dishwasher, helping with the laundry, or caring for pets.
• getting ready in the morning and going to bed at night at the same time - removing technology from their room

Routines for the whole family: ideas

You could have routines for:

• preparing and eating meals together
• spending family time, like regular walks after dinner or movie nights
• having family meetings, or just taking turns talking about the day
• spending special one-to-one time with parents
• catching up with extended family and friends
• taking part in special celebration days or community activities.