What Is More Important Than a Daily Routine (Part 2)

In the first part, I talked about how "a daily routine is important, but a sense of security between parent and child might be even more important."

I can almost hear you asking, "That's all well and good, but what should I actually do?"
Today, I will share some tips that are easy to incorporate, even for children with developmental concerns, and that you can continue without pushing yourself too hard.
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1. In the morning, "let in the light" rather than "waking them up"

Our bodies have an "internal clock."

That internal clock finds it easier to feel that "today has begun" when exposed to morning light.

So, rather than trying to wake them up by calling out to them repeatedly, first try opening the curtains and letting the morning light fill the room.

Then, just saying, "Good morning," is enough.
It is okay if they don't get up right away.
By continuing this a little bit every day, the body will slowly remember its morning rhythm.
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2. Don't aim for "perfection" with breakfast

The more you think, "I have to consider the nutritional balance," the greater the burden on you as a parent becomes.

But it is okay not to aim for a perfect score every day.

It is fine to have a day where they just eat a banana.

A day with just a rice ball.
A day with just yogurt.

Eating something in the morning serves as a signal to the body that "today has begun."
Being able to continue is far more important than being perfect.
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3. At night, create a "time to relax" rather than focusing on "going to bed early"


If you only worry about bedtime, you end up saying things like "Hurry up!" or "It's time to sleep!" more often.

Instead, try to focus on creating an atmosphere that makes it easier to fall asleep.

Turn off the TV.

Dim the lights a little.

Read a picture book together.
Talk about the fun things that happened today.

Such calm moments gently tell both the heart and the body, "It is almost time to sleep."

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4. Because it is summer vacation, increase the moments where you can say, "That was fun"

Summer vacation is not just a time to fix your daily routine.
Eating ice cream together.

Looking for cicadas in the park.

Watching fireworks at night.

Such casual memories are things that may suddenly come to mind even after becoming an adult.

Children often remember "who they laughed with" more than "what time they went to bed."

So, even if there are days when things don't go as planned, you don't need to blame yourself.

The time you spent laughing together as parent and child is also precious time that nurtures a child's heart.

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5. It is okay to gradually get back on track starting one week before the new semester

"Everything back to normal starting tomorrow!"

That is difficult even for adults.

What I recommend is to start adjusting little by little from about a week before the new semester.
Go to bed 15 minutes earlier.

Wake up 15 minutes earlier.

Even just that small accumulation is enough.

Don't rush, just take it slowly.

That way, it is easier for both parent and child to continue without strain.

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A parent's smile also leads to a child's sense of security
I have met many children and families in the field of childcare and developmental support.

There is something I have felt many times while doing so.

Families with a well-regulated daily routine do not have a special method.

Rather, I feel that many of these families have an atmosphere where it is okay to think, "It doesn't have to be perfect."

Of course, things don't go well every day.

There are days when bedtime is late.

There are days when they can't wake up in the morning.

Even so, there is someone who says, "Let's try again together tomorrow."

That sense of security is what gradually nurtures a child's heart.

What children are looking for is not a perfect father or mother.

They want someone who will think things through with them, even when they are in trouble.
That presence is the greatest source of security for a child.

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Finally

If you are currently worried about your daily routine, you don't have to carry it all by yourself.

Just being able to think, "This child has their own pace," will make your heart feel a little lighter.

It is okay to have days when you feel rushed.

It is okay to have days when things don't go well.

Children are growing a little bit every day.
And you are the one supporting that growth from the closest distance.

It doesn't have to be a perfect summer vacation.

If it becomes a summer vacation where you and your child can laugh together and say, "That was fun," then that will surely become a precious memory that will remain in your hearts for a long time to come.

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You don't have to worry alone.

May your parenting be such that you look forward to tomorrow a little more than today.

By the time you close this page, I hope your heart feels a little lighter.
If this time has been like that for you, I would be very happy.