" a customary or regular course of procedure; commonplace tasks, chores, or duties as must be done regularly or at specified intervals; typical or everyday activity; regular, unvarying, habitual, unimaginative, or rote procedure".
With such a definition, it's no wonder most SAHMs or caregivers avoid it like a plague. But, I tell you, routine is one of the best invention in the world of child, er, I mean infant care. Guess it can also apply to big kids? Read : hubby?
When Kimi was turning 1 month old, my sis constantly reminded me of getting Kimi into a routine. And I agree with her. Cos, even before Kimi came into the picture, everything about me was about routine too. At least in the house and dog department.
My routines :-
- Enzo gets his monthly tick repellent applied and fed his heart guard every 1st week of the month.
- I change my sheets every Fri
- Wash the floor rags, dish-cloths every Tue & Fri
- Send my curtains for dry cleaning every June & Dec. Now it has been changed to light curtains and I wash them every 1st week of the month.
- Etc, etc (I'd better stop before I drive you crazy)
Why do I do this? Cos I have a lousy memory and having such a routine, it makes remembering to do your chores effortless.
Zoom back to CURRENT position. I cannot tell you how a routine makes for better handling of a child. Remove it, and I don't know what to do! I started to get Kimi into a routine when he was about 2 months old. And although he doesn't nap much in the afternoon, I still think that routines are FAB!
I do agree though that it can be mundane, exsperating and stressful at times (when u have to rush to compete with the clock). It is much easier to get things done. I mean, how could you go about in a day, just bumping around, not knowing what to expect next? Baby will be stressed too as he can't foretell what to expect.
And I tell you, babies LURVE routines, they thrive on it! Babies as young as they are, love to know what is coming up next.
Each night when I put Kimi to bed, I will cuddle him close and tell him I love him and kiss him on his forehead and wherever I would like to plant my kisses on.. mostly face. He's so used to it that just the other day, as usual, after his milk, he was so sleepy and I thought he had dozed off. Coincidentally, the tv in the background was showing something very interesting and I was watching earnestly when I suddenly looked down and saw Kimi staring at me, eyes wide.
Haa!! Guess what? I'd forgotten his daily sleep routine of a cuddle, sweet whispers and kisses. I chuckled and quickly went about it. He slept quite immediately after my kisses! Amazing isn't it? Just a simple routine. My poor baby waiting for it and this mummy was watching tv. Think he was staring at me for at least 10 mins??
With such motivations, do you now love routines? Start some and you shall see how good rountines can do to your life! Let's re-look at the definition of routine NOW ...
" a customary or regular course of procedure; commonplace tasks, chores, or duties as must be done regularly or at specified intervals; typical or everyday activity; regular, unvarying, habitual, unimaginative, or rote procedure".
So, you see.. just like how a glass is half full versus it being half empty, routines are but a perception of our minds. When we look at it positively, routines are regular duties we do out of habit instead of being unimaginative boring chores!!
Kimi enjoying his play time in the playpen
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