Routines and Responsibilities Children thrive on structure and routine. Consistent parenting practices and daily routines promote healthy habits in children and help children feel safe and secure. For instance, family meal time is an important part of a healthy family routine. It is a time to connect as a family. Turn off the television during meals so you can talk with your children without any distractions. Listen to the stories your children want to share with you. By focusing on your children and talking together as a family, you teach your children about social skills, family and caring. By expecting children to help out with household chores, care for other people or pets, and finish tasks, parents teach children how to solve problems and develop the confidence and capacity to reach their full potential.
Be precise and predictable Children do best when they know what to expect and when to expect it. They need to know what their parents expect from them and what they can expect from their parents. Praise your children when they do well or when they try their best to do something. Teach your children about responsibility and respectful behaviour. Children need to feel safe making mistakes and should not be afraid to ask questions.
Set reasonable expectations Every child is different. Even in the same family, children have their own personalities and enjoy different things. All children need special attention and time to follow their own interests. Learn to understand the unique personality and interests of each of your children. Respond to their individual needs and abilities. Make sure your children’s roles and responsibilities within the family fit with what they are capable of doing, such as picking up clothes and putting them in a hamper, clearing and setting the table for dinner, helping with cooking, or watching younger siblings while you do a quick task nearby. Children should be able to complete their tasks with minimal help. Expecting too much from your children can put unnecessary stress on them, such as expecting your six-year-old to cook a hot meal on their own. At the same time, if your expectations are too low, your children may not learn how to be responsible or push themselves when things get hard.
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