The importance of routines

As our children start the 2022 school year, life is (hopefully) going to reach some level of normality. I realise that I make this statement amidst one of the most unpredictable world events that most of us have seen, so bare with me. The impact of COVID and the instability of much of our day-to-day life, is why setting routines with your children is even more important than ever. Routines carry structure, which is not only vital for social and academic development but also behavioural and neurological development. Routines enhance our bodies ability function well and rest well! Combined with a nutritional diet and exercise, this is the best way to optimize your child’s health and development.
Think of ways you can create, or improve on, structure and routines within your home. This can be as simple as having clear bed time routine and bed times. In my home I find that chore rosters save a lot of arguments each week. Each of my children know that jobs are fairly allocated, and what their jobs are on any given day. We also have routines for after school expectations, and this is written up in a colourful display in the kitchen.
If you would like support with the implementation of routines, I am very happy to help. I know that new routines can take time to get everyone on board, and you may also be met with some resistance. I have strategies for this too. If you have school age children, get them involved in the routine creating process as this is a fun way to get everyone feeling motivated and ready to go!

Children’s health- Screen time

Why do health experts recommend minimal screen time for children? It is important to know the facts around this, and it’s also important for your child to understand the reasons too! Let me break it down for you.
Screen time impacts brain development. Particularly in the first 7 years of life, the brain is developing most quickly. They are like sponges, soaking up the most information and forming vital pathways across every aspect of your brains functioning. It has been found that children who use screens longer than the recommended 1hour a day, have lower levels of development in the brains white matter which is vital for language, literacy and cognitive skills development.
This negatively impacts attention span, behaviour and regulation, language and communication, attention and thinking, sleep, and impairs executive functioning.
The exciting news is, that there are also ways to improve structure and organization of the brains white matter. Reading, and learning musical instruments are proven to do this. Ang get this, even juggling is a great white matter supporter!
So put away those iPads, phones, Tablets, Tvs, Laptops, computers (the list goes on), and bring out the juggling balls, instruments, and books! Enjoy a healthy lifestyle, powered by healthy choices. And love your brain, you only get one!