Why Kids Need Routine (even babies)

When my twins came into my world, I didn't know what to expect. My life was turned upside down as all of a sudden, I have these two tiny little angels, looking to me, depending on me to care for them 24/7. I knew I have to establish a routine in order for me to get both babies feeding and sleeping at the same time.

So why do our children or our babies need a routine? 

Because routines give them a sense of security and it would help them develop self-discipline. Yes even babies need routine so that they feel secured knowing what to expect next. Some of you may think, I don't have a routine, why should my kids have a routine? Well, even when you think your life doesn't have a routine, you actually do. You wake up, brush your teeth and have your breakfast every morning. That's a routine on its own.

• Routines help kids learn to be independent - Over time, kids learn to feed themselves, shower themselves etc without constant reminders. Kids love being in charge and feeling that they are capable. Kids who feel more independent and be in charge feel less need to be rebellious and misbehaved thus eliminating the power struggles between them and their parents.
• Routines help kids to cooperate as they know what to expect next and don't feel like they have been pushed around
• Regular routines help kids to be on a daily schedule that would help achieve a good sleeping habit and fall asleep easily at night.
• Schedules help parents maintain a healthy expectations for everyone in the family and develop healthy habits in order to run a smooth household.

If you want to get your kids on a routine, don't delay anymore.  The sooner you start, the earlier they will get on board with the idea of routines in their life.

Does your child sleep early?

When I came back to Asia, I still remember how shocked I was to see babies and little toddlers still awake past 10pm at supermarkets, restaurants and malls. Some parents even bring their little children to watch late night movies at the cinemas!

I often wondered, "What time do they sleep? Don't their parents mind about it? In the western countries, this is almost unheard of as children go to bed early and this is common practice among all families. Living in Asia has not changed my routine for my children, my little toddler goes to bed at 8pm every night while my 7 years olds sleep at 9pm.

Some of you may ask, there is no harm for my child to sleep later, right? 

Your babies and children need ample amount of sleep everyday for their general well being. Just like adults, they need enough rest to function properly physically and mentally during the day. Lack of sleep caused them to be cranky, overtired and feeling lethargic.

How much sleep do our children need?
Babies need about 14-16 hours of sleep. Kindergarteners need about 10-12.5 hours of sleep each night with naps declining and disappearing usually by the age of 5. Primary school aged kids need 9.5-11.5 hours of sleep per night.

By fixing enough sleep and rhythm in your children's life, the children's yet-to-be-developed body will grow healthily and makes them more alert. The children's life rhythm start to develop from the age of 4 months and complete by the age of 5~6 years old. Babies and children are not able to adjust their life's rhythm on their own, only we parents can help them do that. That is why it is so important to get your children on a good sleep routine.

If you are concern about your children's physical, brain and emotional growth development, please review their sleeping habits first. No amount of enrichment classes or tuitions will help your child's development if they are not getting enough sleep. Good sleeping habits is the key to their physical and mental development.

Welcome to Singapore's Supernanny

Hi there! If you have googled supernanny and stumbled upon my blog, then you must be experiencing some issues with your child and in need of some help.

Then you have come to the right place.

Are you experiencing 

• Sleep/bedtime issues
• Tantrums
• Behavioural problems

and other problems with your child and you are at a loss of what to do? 

My name is Zoe Chu and I am a parenting coach. I am a mother of 3 including a set of twins. My specialty is in sleep training and I have successfully trained all my children to sleep through the night from 10 weeks onward. My clients have often seek advice and tips on how to establish a routine for their kids.

If you are sleep deprived, irritated, frustrated and would like some 'me' time again, then please give me a call.

I can come to your house or consult through Skype, phone or email and observe/assess your issues and come up with a strategy to help you resolve them.