Creating emotional stability and security for young children

Having a consistent routine, with everyday rituals and activities in a child’s life, can support them to feel emotionally stable and secure. Whether it is meal times, time for a nap or time to play, children feel safe knowing what to expect in the next part of their day.

For families who are sharing parenting post separation, having an established routine shared by both parents can be particularly beneficial for your child. Routines can ensure your child knows what to expect when with either parent; supporting them to respond well to shared access time with parents.

For example, a child will know that on Wednesday evening ‘Daddy will collect from preschool’ or on Friday morning ‘Mammy will drop to granddads’.  When children respond well to the routine of shared parenting; parents will see their child’s needs are been met which will allow shared parenting to go well for everyone.