Hello Families,

Healthy Routines

As we move through the term, it’s a great time to reflect on the power of healthy routines at home. Research consistently shows that predictable, consistent routines support children’s emotional regulation, behavior, and learning outcomes.

When children know what to expect, they feel safer and more secure. This sense of security reduces stress and frees up brain capacity for learning, problem-solving, and social connection.

Why Do Routines Matter?

Evidence from child development research highlights that:

·        Consistent sleep routines are linked to improved attention, memory, and mood.

·        Predictable morning routines reduce anxiety and school refusal behaviours.

·        Clear and consistent expectations strengthen emotional regulation and reduce behavioural outbursts.

·        Family routines are associated with better academic performance and stronger parent–child relationships.

From a brain development perspective, routines reduce uncertainty. When children don’t have to constantly figure out “what’s happening next,” their nervous system remains calmer. A regulated child is far more able to think, learn, and cooperate.

The Importance of Sleep

Sleep plays a critical role in children’s development. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, adequate sleep supports:

·        Emotional control

·        Concentration and memory

·        Physical health and immune function

Children of primary school age generally need 9–11 hours of sleep per night. A simple, consistent bedtime routine (e.g., bath, reading, lights out at the same time each night) can significantly improve sleep quality.

Making Morning Smoother

Mornings can be one of the most stressful times of day. Small changes can make a big difference:

·        Prepare school bags and uniforms the night before.

·        Use a simple visual checklist.

·        Keep morning steps consistent and predictable.

·        Allow extra time to avoid rushing.

Even a 5–10-minute buffer can reduce stress for both children and parents.

Clear Expectations Create Calm

Children feel more secure when boundaries are clear and consistent. Helpful strategies include:

·        Keeping rules simple and specific.

·        Giving reminders before transitions (“In five minutes, we’re leaving.”).

·        Following through calmly and consistently.

·        Acknowledging effort rather than perfection.

·         

Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity, it means being predictable and reliable. 

Small Routines, Big Impact

Healthy routines don’t need to be complicated. A short bedtime story, a regular family dinner, or a predictable goodbye ritual at school drop-off can strengthen connection and reduce anxiety.

If your family has had some disruptions recently, it’s never too late to reset. Start with one small routine and build from there.

Healthy routines create a strong foundation for children to feel safe, capable, and ready to learn.

Resources:

Australian Institute of Family Studies: What works to improve young children’s social, emotional and behavioural wellbeing? | Australian Institute of Family Studies

Beyond Blue: Raising a school age child and mental health - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue

Emerging Minds: Creating family routines to support children's mental health

Raising Children Network: Raising Children Network

 Warmly,

Pema Tshomo

WinS Social Worker

Expression of Interest for PACE .

What is PACE?

PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy and is an attachment-based parenting approach. PACE is not a step-by-step model or process, but rather a way of thinking, feeling, communicating and behaving that aims to make children and young people feel safe, connected and understood.

PACE was originally created by Dan Hughes (clinical psychologist) as a trauma-informed approach to support the healing of children and young people who had experienced developmental trauma. However, it can be more broadly applied by adults to support anyone who is emotionally dysregulated. 

PACE promotes the importance of understanding the experiences of children and young people, prioritising relationship and connection, and supporting emotional literacy and regulation. 

The image below was created by Juliet Young (clinical psychologist) and gives a visual snapshot of PACE 

Interested to learn more? Our WinS Social Worker – Pema, and one of her colleagues will be offering a workshop for parents and carers towards the end of Term 1. 

EOI’s for this are open now!