Children need and respond to structure. A structured environment allows a child to thrive because they feel secure in that environment. When children know what to expect it creates safety in their world. When a child has consistency, they are able to focus on growing, learning, and developing important skills.
In a child’s world, predictably reduces stress, builds confidence, and fosters cooperation. Having predictable routines and environments with your child creates firmness with kindness. This creates boundaries with your child that they learn to respect. Your child will grow trust when they can depend on adults to be consistent with patterns and routines.
Ways to implement structure into your family system:
1. Set up a clear consistent routine: This may consist of a morning checklist that your child follows, after-school tasks, and bedtime rituals. Visual aids and schedules are great tools to support your child with this.
2. Create a designated space for different activities, such as a homework station, reading nook, calming area. This provides structure for designated tasks.
3. Set clear rules and expectations for your child. Clear simple rules teach boundaries and acceptable behaviors. Make them predictable so your child knows how you will respond to actions. Use positive reinforcement for positive behaviors and apply consistent consequences for misbehavior. Avoid using statements “I need you to do…” and try “the expectation is…”.
4. Provide small choices for your child to foster autonomy and structure. Examples of this could be providing two choices for snacks, two choices of outfits to pick from, or the ability to select the order of their chores. This balance of predictability and autonomy helps children feel in control while still following household routines. Providing structure and routine into your family system will not only support your child, but the family as a whole!
Tips for Building Structure
https://www.cdc.gov/parenting-toddlers/structure-rules/structure.html
6 Signs Your Child Needs More Structure – How to Provide Structure so Your Child Thrives
https://hes-extraordinary.com/adding-structure-at-home-helps-autism-children-thrive
Building Better Days: How Structure Nurtures Confident, Capable Kids
https://americanspcc.org/building-better-days-how-structure-nurtures-confident-capable-kids/
Jessica Butler, MA, Holistic Mental Health Counselor
