For our purposes I will define stress as: Both a physiological and emotional state caused by the pressure and/or anxiety which can result from the difference or dissonance between what a person has control over and their expectations of control OR a state of doubt and/or insecurity and/or cognitive dissonance OR for those with low resilience and/or efficacy the state caused by unpredictability. It can also include the disequilibrium caused by health related issues.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
b. Increase feelings of security and certainty.
b. Increase feelings of security and certainty. Both children and adults need the feelings of security, certainly, consistency and predictability. These are included within Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. For some adults with a great deal of resiliency and self-efficacy, these needs are more easily met. For children they are extremely important. Structure, routines, schedule and consistency are extremely important. Being watched by the same loving and nurturing adults, going to bed and waking up in the same place and at the same time, consistent and regular meals at the same time every day are all important for children; however, there is also benefit for adults. Good sleep hygiene, steady, loving, nurturing relationships are important for everyone. Meeting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is important for stress reduction no matter what the age.
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11 comments:
I have had an in-home daycare for 24 years, and firmly believe in the security that routine brings to young children. Most kids are so comforted by a regular routine, that they can actually become a different child during daycare hours, simply because of the routine and the firm boundaries routine allows. Parents don't always have that opportunity because their life is more changable and often on the move. As an in-home provider, I can keep things more routine than most, and that brings about a fairly constant peaceful atmosphere. I have had many opportunities to note a behavior change when a child is dropped off even a couple hours later than usual. Something that doesn't appear to be all that big of a deal, can actually throw some children's whole day off. Children can also be thrown off if another child leaves, or a new child comes. They have gotten so used to the status quo that there can be behavior issues for a week or two until they adjust to the difference. I watched a child once that needed a set routine so badly that she would actually throw a fit if her mom drove a different way to my house. She was one that I could never very routine with! I know for myself though, that I need routine as well. I'd like to say I do it mostly for my kids...but if someone changes my foundational routine...my day feels off-kilter as well!
Thank you, very good comment.
CR Petersen
Routine may be the only consitancy that a chid has in there life. I have a 13 year old nephew that I have helped my parents raise...I didnt realize it until I started to work at the daycare how important it is to have a routine. The littlest change could make a child act out, not because they are a bad child but because their routines are off set and there is that little word known as the "unknown" that throws them off. to most children it is their security to know that they leave at this time every day for school and will be picked up every day at the same time. Its hard to do everyday but so worth it!
Thank You! I cannot agree with this more! I see children thrive everyday in our daycare setting knowing that they will eat, sleep and play at the same time everyday. Some of our kids do not benefit from this type of structure at home, this is evident by their actions after the weekend.
Theresa Stinnett
watching kids from a home that has been turned upside down it has been extreamly inmportant to have a routine. They have all thrived knowing exactly when and were they are going to do some thing and not having it change from day to day
As a childcare provider of 9 years you see this so often in families and it is so sad that for that 5 day work week you are the only security and consistency that some of these children have. In a way it makes you feel good because you can feel great about doing your job and doing it well as far as offering a safe place but it saddens me when they leave and I know that they are not priority # 1 in their home where they should feel the safest.
I agree , but here is my issue, my boss takes us in and out of rooms and then when the children begin to ct up the dituations are ignored or we are told , they are our responsability . How do we get managment to remember that these children need stable routine and not 3 different teachers every day.
Kids need positive reinforcement. I believe this minimized stress as well. I agree with Cheryl as well, routine is a big part of feeling secure. I think not only in children but in adults as well. Thoughts also play a huge role in this. If you eliminate the negative thoughts and feelings and attitudes, this also can play a huge role in your attitude and your outlook on life.
katie Bowman
Daily routines are so important for your own and other children you watch! I appreciate the peace of mind I can feel with a consistent schedule. As your children get older your schedule can get out of control, and it's so nice to hone back in to the basics. I feel it keeps our family closer as well.
Ive found that sleep schedule is so important for my children. We have school, daycare and other daily activities until 6 and can't start making dinner or doing extracurricular activities until after that. With high school and college kids along with my preschool and elementary age children, the sleep schedule can get out of whack. I find when things get stressful and kids get cranky we need to look at the earlier bedtimes we had set and get back on track.
I notice the kids at daycare like things to happen about the same time and the same thing pretty much every day. Of course, it is important to do new things to.
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