Routines as a Part of Grandparenting

Caring for grandchildren can be a highly rewarding experience. And while each person’s situation is unique, many grandparents raising grandchildren find that the experience can be quite challenging, especially if your grandchildren have experienced a lot of inconsistency before they came to you. A simple yet effective strategy to make things go more smoothly for you and your grandchildren is to create effective routines.

A routine happens when you do something in pretty much the same way each day. When things are done in a similar way, day in and day out, they become “routine” and everyone knows what to expect. For young children especially (who are unable to tell time, read a calendar, etc) routines are very comforting. It enables the child to know, on his or her own, what happens next because they will have experienced it many times before.

Bedtime routines are very helpful to everyone at the end of a long day. A sample bed time routine may be: a snack at 7:00 pm, brushing teeth, getting pajamas on, reading stories, bathroom and tucking in by 8:00 pm. This routine may vary depending on the age of the child. When children know the routine, they are more likely to cooperate with you since they are familiar with the expectations.

Routines can be created strategically to help eliminate battles. If your grandchild has a hard time pulling away from the TV to go and do chores, you can try and create a routine where chores are done first and only afterwards is TV permitted.

Routines can also help a child to feel loved and emotionally secure. As you drop off your preschool-aged grandchild at child care, give him/her a kiss, a hug and a special handshake each and every day before you walk out the door. A quick routine like this can create warm feelings for both of you.

Well-planned routines are also essential for those times during the day when time is limited and lots must get done. Creating a routine of making lunches, packing backpacks, and picking out clothes the night before will make your morning rush easier. It may not alleviate all of your morning stress, but a routine like this can greatly reduce it.

Raising grandchildren will continue to be both challenging and rewarding. Routines will make life easier and happier for both grandparents and grandchildren.

To learn of programs in your community that support grandparents raising grandchildren, contact 2-1-1.