However, habits also can keep us ‘stuck’, in a rut, in a…habit!

 

In order to encourage maximum growth in your child, it is important that you are aware of the routines you have established with them, and them with you, that might keep them stuck in those routines.

 

For example, (a made up scenario): your child goes to the fridge in the morning, you open the door, they point to a yogurt cup. They then turn around and walk to the sofa while you take the yogurt out, get a spoon from the cutlery drawer, set it up on the table, and call them over to eat. The daily routine is initiated by your child by simply standing in front of the fridge. This triggers a routine in your brain to do the rest.

 

In order to promote maximum growth, you would become aware of this routine, and shift it. Change the routine in ways that creates opportunities for your child to:

 

1. Pay more attention. For example, you could take the yogurt out, close the fridge door, and then simply stand there looking at them with a warm smile. Your child will do their usual part of the routine and walk to the sofa. But at some point they would notice that you are standing there smiling, not getting them a spoon. They might then walk back to you and prompt you to get the spoon.

2. Not respond to their initial prompt of standing in front of the fridge. Allow them to figure out a more sophisticated way of communicating, with words.

3. Get a snack out of the fridge for yourself, and sit to eat it with them to model eating new foods. If you haven’t done this before, it would pique their interest.

 

If you modify your routines every day, they will ultimately change their daily routines too.

 

This week, AIM to be really aware of your routines and habits with your child, and change your own habits first to lead the way for them to also change. 

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You’ve got this! 

Let’s have an incredible week!