1. Routines and Emotional Health Jessica Singleton, Ph.D. Davis Early Childhood Programs

2. What are Routines?  A series of patterns or rituals we perform almost every day.  Schedule: A plan/order for the daily routines  Routines: Help with emotional regulation Decrease conflict Guide learning Guide social development Ease transitions Guide positive behavior and safety

3. Emotional Development: Attachment  Behaviors to stay near the caregiver  A feeling of confidence that his or her needs will be met consistently, sensitively, and lovingly  Foundation for positive relationships  Arise from sensitive, responsive care

4. Emotional Development: Self-Regulation and Social Awareness  Initially caregiver-directed  Adults raise expectations  Refusal before compliance  Learning expectations  Basics of empathy

5. Emotional Development: Self-Awareness and Temperament Self-Awareness  Self vs. other  I want to do it myself!  Self-concept Temperament  Inborn characteristics: mood, soothability, adaptability  Ability to tolerate stress

6. Routines for Emotional Regulation  Goal: Consistency  Post picture schedules  Send home a copy of your weekly schedule  Greet each child by name every single day!  Check in with each child daily

7. Routines to Decrease Conflict  Post rules  Provide a cool-off area with a cool-off procedure  Provide systems for using high-demand toys and equipment

8. Routines for Safety  Toy areas should be labeled  Have a specific line-up spot and song/bell/whistle for coming in from outdoors  Practice safety routines: fire drills, earthquake drills

9. Routines for Social Development  Provide free play time!  Practice greeting each other and saying good-bye with songs and routines  Practice sharing, turn-taking, and waiting  Assign play-buddies

10. Routines for Transitions  Allow children to bring and post pictures of their family  Allow transitional objects  Offer 5 minute, 3 minute, 1 minute warnings  Home-school picture schedules

11. Routines: Tips and Trouble Spots  Trouble Spots: Arrival Nap Restroom Breaks Meals  Schedules are consistent, yet flexible  Balanced Activities: Group-Individual Quiet-Noisy Indoor-Outdoor  Planned Transitions  Plan for trouble spots

12. Activity  What are your trouble spots?  What routines have you used to help manage them?  What do you want to try?