Keep your child's life simple

A child's life should be simple and balanced. There should be a time for play, a time for eating and a time for sleep. As far as is possible, these times should be consistent. Being able to know what's next on his schedule gives the child a sense of security and calmness.

Even as adults, we can usually handle the "knowns" in life; it's the unknowns that tend to upset us. Children are the same, they need to know what's coming next and the list of things to do should never become so complicated that they can't remember what's coming next in each day's routine.

Here are some suggestions to keep your child's life as simple as possible:

* As already mentioned, there should be a set schedule for every day: time to get up, time for eating, time for play, time for sleep. The schedule should be interrupted only for serious reasons. As the child gets older, the routine will have to be adjusted, adding school and homework to the list.

* Introduce your child to books at an early age. Story time with a loving parent can be a beneficial addition to a child's bedtime routine at any age. A child who enjoys reading will always have a diversion that helps him relax, overcome boredom, learn new things and be entertained, no matter where he is, or how old he gets.

* Once he's old enough to socialize, go slowly. Let him have one playmate at a time and keep the playtimes brief. Babies don't really socialize; they play beside each other. Toddlers have many new rules to learn: it's bad to hit, bite and grab, it's good to smile and share. One friend at a time for short periods will help learning these new skills more pleasant for everyone.

* Work television time into the regular schedule and keep it limited. Find one or two regular age-appropriate programs for daily viewing and that should be it. Who wants to raise a pint-size couch potato?

* There should be a "time-alone" period every day. Children need to learn to amuse themselves and enjoy their own company. This provides time to think, to pretend, to imagine, and to develop the creative side of their personalities.

* Try not to overwhelm your child with toys. This can be difficult with loving relatives and friends almost burying him in gifts on birthdays and holidays. After he's in bed that evening, discreetly remove many of the less favoured offerings and reintroduce them at a later date, perhaps when he's sick, or when he becomes bored with the present favourites.

* Once he's old enough for extracurricular activities, one extra activity a week is sufficient. Study his preferences: is he likely to be sports-oriented, artistically-inclined, or perhaps a junior Einstein? Choose the activity accordingly: a soccer team, piano or art lessons, or Boy Scouts or Girl Guides are always wise choices.

These choices are not carved in stone. Children's interests change, as do ours. If he becomes bored with one type, don't be afraid to switch. There are a lot of areas out there for a child to explore.

The situation to avoid is overload. We've all known parents who have arranged a different activity for their child every night after school and perhaps two on Saturday. What happens? Stressed parents, hyperactive children, and a huge gasoline bill!

Children need consistency, balance, rules, boundaries and love. They need time to be just be ~ to explore the world and reflect on what they've learned. What can you do with mud? How does sand feel under your toes? Will I melt in the rain?

The loving parent will keep life simple so the child has time to explore these mysteries within a familiar routine and is allowed time to process the answers. The next puzzle won't be long in presenting itself.

Wise and devoted parents will keep their child's life as simple and predictable as possible.