Pursuing Excellence With Diligence: Part 2 of 3
Anyone who studies how people excel in life knows that routines and rituals are almost always part of their success.
However, when it comes to using those techniques for managing children - especially at home - our better judgment often gives way to the demands of the moment.
In fact, we tend to allow outside activities and spontaneous requests from our kids to dictate how we use what little home life remains. In other words, family and personal activities that build strong character are frequently displaced by more 'exciting' things - sleepovers, soccer practices, parties, movies.
Not that those things are wrong in themselves. But, when they replace activities that are more influential to the inner growth of your child, they end up blurring higher values and creating frustration.
What areas of life can benefit from regular, consistent repetition? We see five large arenas:
Overall daily schedule: When adults just spring things on children, they become resentful, disrespectful and difficult to manage. Conversely, a child feels honored to be given the dignity of knowing what's next and is increasingly easier to manage.
School/study activities: While most schools are quite structured, a child's home life frequently represents the extreme opposite. Although children need some 'down time', the best plan is to SCHEDULE times of relaxation, followed by specific times for homework, reading and other growth-oriented activities.
Chores & other responsibilities: Whether it's doing one's own laundry, taking out the trash, or helping a sibling with his homework, every home has built-in opportunities for scheduled responsibilities.
Skills development: Every child needs to develop some skills that he truly enjoys and are uniquely his: building computer skills, learning basketball or playing piano: any child benefits from developing personal skills through regular, consistent practice.
Repeating Rituals: Adults everywhere use rituals to help themselves. Repetitive, personal actions or activities also help children feel comfortable - a set bedtime ritual; mealtime procedures; talking to imaginary friends. Such rituals may seem trite or trivial to you, but they could be the difference between your child's success and failure in the long run.
In the next article, we'll discuss ways to motivate children toward routines and rituals with grace and dignity.
