Children might bring a toy from home, such as a beloved teddy bear, to give a kiss good-bye to. Build transitions around children's natural habits. If children like to run around when they arrive in the morning, rearrange your routine to start off with outdoor play. A baby's first routine involves what to do when she's hungry. As babies begin to develop more predictable schedules at around 6 months, offering simple routines can help them solidify their patterns.
Dependable routines help toddlers control their impulses and tolerate frustration.
Rituals help toddlers adjust to new situations and are especially helpful during the transition into a new early childhood setting. Little rituals help them focus on the various parts of the day, providing closure for one activity and preparing them to move on to the next. During their special morning routine, for example, a child might put a puzzle together with her mom and then give her two hugs, and their special handshake to say good-bye. These beloved rituals help to reassure children that not only will their parents return but that their caregiver is close at hand with loving support. Gentle Guidance Routines are not only comforting for threes, they also serve as cues to what is expected of them.