Psychologist's opinion: the importance of routine for young children
The current context makes it increasingly difficult for little ones to maintain routine. Kindergarten or primary classes in the context of a mixed or online system make children's lives take on new landmarks, in which roles are constantly changing. All of this represents a challenge for children, and specialists say that maintaining routine, in at least some aspects of children's lives, is essential.
“In most situations, children adapt much better to everyday life when a daily routine is also established. This gives children a sense of comfort and security, and sometimes they even feel like they are part of the decision. This way, we avoid increasing anger, fear and anxiety when we know what is coming or when we know what to expect from those around us.”, explained psychologist Diana Cotumbeanu.
This also states that they also need to maintain certain time and activity milestones and especially to maintain as much as possible those habits for enjoyable activities. Such an activity can be, for example, a course that the child takes with pleasure, at least weekly.
Indeed, many parents want to keep the routine of aquatic education classes and, usually, during September-October, they change the usual program to adapt to the schedule of the little ones. The children return with the same joy and, also, usually, during this period, the number of requests for enrollment in classes from children - kindergarten classmates with those who already attend Acvatic Bebe Club classes - increases, said Carmen Dumitru, founder of the aquatic education club in Bucharest.
The current unpredictable context makes such activities eagerly awaited by little ones, especially when they involve play and good cheer and are not carried out in a rigid context.
“It is certainly not a good time to give up on what we enjoy. Starting kindergarten can be so different now from what we and our children knew. We no longer encourage children to share cookies or toys with their peers, the expression of affection - through caresses or hugs - that we once encouraged, is replaced by preventive measures. The fact that they know what is coming helps them prepare on an emotional level. If it is a pleasant activity, this can charge them with enthusiasm and good energy. Thanks to this anticipated preparation, the feeling of control, safety or comfort can increase”, the psychologist added.
In addition, children's need for movement is high at preschool age. Changing seasons and rainy weather sometimes limit this physical need. Thus, aquatic education classes can be a perfect solution for children.
“Often, Acvatic Bebe Club instructors are asked by parents whether they should continue aquatic education lessons after the cold season arrives. Beyond the obvious benefits that this activity has on the child's health and development, we have noticed that maintaining a routine in an uncertain context could help the little ones manage changes much better”, Carmen Dumitru also explained.
QBebe Article: The importance of routine for children | Qbebe.ro
