Check out this article I contributed to the Whole Mama’s website if you’re craving some playful rituals and routines while at home with young children:
What’s the difference between routines and rituals?
The goal of routines is continuity. We know routines are essential for young children because they help children to create and regulate their own internal clocks, given that our brains are pattern-seeking devices. But here’s the thing: when parents get caught up in daily tasks and overemphasize the mechanics of routine, they lose sight of connecting with their children. What they end up giving attention to is when children do something special or conversely get in trouble. On these occasions, children receive our undivided attention but they learn that they only get it if they’re special or misbehaving. So this is why we need ritual! The goal of rituals is connection. They create a time and space designated for togetherness, playfulness, and a “be- with” attitude. Children learn that they don’t have to do anything special or attention-seeking to get your undivided attention; they just have to be who they naturally are in that moment.
Psychologist Becky Bailey has a wonderful book, “I Love You Rituals”, that I highly recommend. An example from her book takes under 2 minutes to engage in, and helps with the transition from school to home. It’s called “What Did You Bring Home from School Today?” She instructs the parents to greet their child being attuned through eye contact, touch, and connectedness and to say something like: “Hey, there you are. I’ve been waiting all day to hug you. Let me see what you brought home from school. You brought those blue eyes. You brought that cute little mole on your arm. You brought your backpack and your coat. You brought your warm little hand. Let me hold that hand and let’s go home together.” This moment of connectedness lays the foundation for everything to come afterward.
www.wholemamasclub.com/creating-rituals-for-connection/