#stayathome - Why Children Need Rituals

Every child needs rituals. They serve as a structuring and orientation aid in everyday life and are connected to the brain development of children.

Children only consider things and/or activities to be significant when they are a regular part of their daily routine. Psychological studies have also shown that established routines and repetitions reduce children's fears and promote independence. Furthermore, it has been found that rituals improve concentration and facilitate learning.
The regularity and the resulting sense of togetherness can contribute to a slowdown of everyday life, as recurring, schematic processes are more easily accepted and recognized by children.  
Due to the current situation, it is unfortunately not possible for children to attend daycare at the moment. There, a set daily routine usually takes place. Children orient themselves to the rules in place and gain a great sense of security through rituals.
After a self-developed wake-up ritual, which is supposed to avoid "getting up on the wrong foot" and morning hectic, you can wonderfully integrate typical daycare routines into home life:

Morning circle
Take your time to create a morning circle together with the family. You can start it with a song by request. Afterwards, summarize the upcoming day together: What will the weather be like today? What highlights are planned? What's for food? Are there any new game ideas or wishes?

Meals
Each family member should have a designated place to eat. Also, assign responsibilities to the children and decide, for example, who is allowed to distribute the cutlery.
Just as you plan your day in the morning, it's helpful to reflect on the day again at dinner or before going to bed.

Free Play
Provide your children with a prepared space containing play materials where they can creatively let loose and, for example, use various themed areas.

Guided Projects and Theme Weeks
You can place individual weeks or days under a specific theme, such as Forest and Meadow, Underwater World, Season, Countries, or similar. This theme can then be incorporated into various areas, such as songs, outings, craft projects, books, and even meals, and can also be independently developed or explored further by the children themselves.

Sleep
Whether it's a nap or going to bed in the evening, these quiet times can also be linked with loving rituals that help the little whirlwinds unwind. The television and radio should be turned off in the house, and instead, the quiet time should begin with relaxation music or nature sounds. Now is the time for a self-invented story or classic reading aloud. Time to cuddle and dream.
 
These and many other rituals can therefore help to make the weaning and transition for the children less significant.  
Fixed routines are not only of great importance for your children, but also for you as parents. A structured daily routine creates a sense of "we" within the family and lends structure to the unfamiliar, temporary life situation. Unity and organization are of great importance in the current uncertain times.
For many children, other contacts such as friends and grandparents are also part of a regular weekly routine. These relationships do not have to be completely given up either. While the parents are working, grandma can perhaps read a book aloud via video conference, and playing Battleship or charades with friends and family can be entertaining through these services.

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