As children grow through the various stages of infancy (2mo – 1yr), and toddlerhood (1 – 4yrs), there are salient physical signs and abilities that are expected to be seen, often referred to as Developmental and Behavioral milestones. Every child grows, develops, and reaches each milestone at a uniquely different rate [1]. A perfect example is a child who begins walking at 8 months and another who only begins walking at 18 months, with both scenarios considered to be within a normal range. Developmental and Behavioral milestones are categorized majorly into five (5) areas: physical, cognitive, socio-emotional, language, sensory and motor development. A family is a basic social unit [2] which plays a crucial role in the care, nurturing, development, and behavioral outcomes of every child. The routine and structure of a family is believed to greatly impact the development and behavioral milestones each child attains over time as they grow [3].
Why is family Routine and structure crucial in child development and behavioural milestones?
In a rapidly evolving world of today, where families must cope with and adapt to the various challenges associated with nurturing a child, it is imperative for parents to ensure a well laid out routine and structure to aid in a child’s development. Family routines are repetitive pattern of activities that occur on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis within an individual family structure and unit. Family routines adapt to a child’s developmental course and evolve as the child grows [4]. (Spagnola and Fiese 2007; Hosokawa et al. 2023) have shown that family routines were positively associated with a child’s cohesiveness, expressiveness, and stability of family relationships. It also reduces behavioral problems and improve their social competence.
Family routines provide both a predictable structure that guides a child’s behavior, and an emotional environment that supports their development. Ensuring consistent family routines and creating a healthy family environment are closely associated with maintaining a child’s psychosocial health. There is a growing concern over the adverse effects of multiple family structures with respect to a child’s development and behavioural outcomes.
The above studies have shown that dependable family structure backed with consistent routines remains very important factors in ensuring a child is setup for success in attaining pertinent developmental and behavioural milestones.
What can be done to maintain a Robust Family Routine and Structure?
Some ways in which a robust family routine and structure can be maintained include: effectively communicating expectations by taking the lead, being consistent and intentional, engaging a child and allowing them to take the lead as they develop confidence, allowing a child’s voice to be heard, providing feedback (both positive and descriptive) to the child as they adhere to laid out routines and expectations.
Families and parents are greatly encouraged to maintain a robust routine and structure to ensure a child is fully engaged and supported as they grow. A holistic approach and conscious effort is required from parents as they aim to support a child. Maintaining a consistent family routine is important because as a child becomes familiar with routines and a well-defined structure in the family, they develop a close relationship with their parents/caregivers and establish a sense of belonging and socioemotional confidence.
Concluding Thoughts
Every child deserves a conducive, supportive, and healthy home; as well as a consistent routine and dependable family structure from parents to allow for proper developmental growth. A well defined, consistent family routine and structure helps a child learn to control their emotions and behaviors. As a child knows the outcomes and consequences of their actions, they actively adjust and behave in accordance to established expectations which helps them grow and regulate their emotions.
Emediong Idung
Emediong is a third-year medical student at Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM). She completed her Psychiatric core rotation under the supervision of Dr. German Corso at Texas Tropical Behavioral Health (TTBH). As a mother to an amazing daughter, I have seen first-hand the importance of family routine and structure on child development and behavioral outcomes. This led to my interest in the topic.
References
- Milestones of Child Development: A Guide to Young Children’s learning and development from birth to kindergarten (2007). Richmond, VA: Virginia Dept. of Social Services, Division of Child Care and Development.
- Ebrahim, G.J. (1982). The family as a child-rearing unit of society. In: Child Health in a Changing Environment. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-17031-9_3
- Spagnola, M., & Fiese, B. H. (2007). Family routines and rituals: A context for development in the lives of young children. Infants & Young Children, 20(4), 284–299. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.IYC.0000290352.32170.5a
- Churchill, S.L., & Stoneman, Z. (2004). Correlates of Family Routines in Head Start Families. Early childhood research and practice, 6.
- Hosokawa, R., Tomozawa, R. & Katsura, T. Associations between Family Routines, Family Relationships, and Children’s Behavior. J Child Fam Stud 32, 3988–3998 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02687-w
- Bzostek, S.H. & Berger, L.M. (2017) ‘Family structure experiences and child socioemotional development during the first nine years of life: Examining heterogeneity by family structure at birth’, Demography, 54(2), pp. 513–540. https://doi:10.1007/s13524-017-0563-5
- Carlson, M.J. and Corcoran, M.E. (2001) ‘Family structure and children’s behavioral and cognitive outcomes’, Journal of Marriage and Family, 63(3), pp. 779–792. https://doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00779.x