Published on December 17, 2024
While for some the time off is a welcome break from the routine of daily life, it’s important to acknowledge the security of routine for others – including younger learners and those who split their time between home and nursery – and the challenges that stem from this break in every day routine.
In previous articles we have discussed the role of routine in helping young children settle and feel safe and secure at nursery. Routine creates familiarity, which makes the transition from time at home to time with peers, learning and playing, easier for them to navigate and settle into.
So, how can we take the time away from their nursery that Christmas offers, and turn it into an opportunity for time with family without breaking that all-important routine?
Routine isn’t just about knowing where you need to be and when.
For young children, it gives them a daily grounding of security and predictability. It creates a sense of familiarity which then enables them to explore their environment and become more adventurous with the people and experiences around them. When they feel safe and secure in their routine, they are more likely to come out of their shell and start interacting and engaging more. By default then, routine also alleviates triggers for anxiety and insecurity.
Another reason why routine is so important is the consistency of naps and downtime. When young children have an established routine, they enjoy better quality sleep which improves their development, mood, behaviour, and more. With so much cognitive and physical development focussed on those early years, good sleep is crucial – and that means bedtime routines, rituals, and schedules.
Of course, amid all of these considerations and reasons why routine is so important, there is one glaring challenge. And that’s the fact that routine is almost impossible to follow every single hour of every day – especially at Christmas.
So, what can parents do to create some semblance of routine amid the ups and down of the festive period?
From the time your child wakes up, to the kind of breakfast that they eat, keeping these things consistent will help them to start their day feeling settled and comfortable. Don’t let the plethora of Christmas treats and chocolates overpower the need for a healthy breakfast!
Those who are familiar with the My Ohana nursery model will know that we pride ourselves on managing a child-led approach to activity planning and daily schedules – that is, we empower the children to make decisions about what they do and which games they play.
This is something that can be transferred into life at home, creating a sense of independence and importance that will support your child in feeling a little more in control. Much of the uncertainty amid the loss of routine comes from not knowing what’s going on, so giving them some control in helping plan activities can balance this and energise them.
Time outside is a crucial part of the nursery day, used for both play and learning.
Based on the idea that time spent outside in the natural world is good for fostering a sense of discovery and adventure in children, this is something that we urge parents and caregivers to continue throughout the Christmas break. Not only does time outside support development and cognitive function, but it helps burn some energy and has a positive effect on mood and wellbeing (something that you might need too, amid the chaos of Christmas plans and hosting!)
Bedtime and naptime can be a difficult thing to juggle when spending time around family members and friends, at parties and gatherings, and away from your home. However, if you want your child to maintain their routine then you need to keep up the cornerstones of the schedule they are used to – and that means naps and bed at the right time.
We probably don’t need to tell you how challenging it can be when a toddler becomes overtired, so taking steps to avoid this is crucial for their mood – and your own!
While all of the above tips will help you to keep some semblance of routine, it’s just as important to be flexible and to ensure that routine does not come at the detriment of experience.
Yes, nap times and healthy breakfasts will help them to maintain their routine and feel comfortable – but that doesn’t mean you need to forego festive events and invitations.
Instead, work exciting opportunities and get-togethers into the routine and allow them to experience the joys and excitements of Christmas. Our nursery team can’t wait to hear what you all get up to this Christmas!
