Small routines can mean a lot to children during difficult times

[Fancifulpicnic]

My DS said last night about how - three years ago - we used to play hairdressers in my bedroom before his bed time. He would bring me a little stool and I would set out all my brushes, hair accessories etc and let him ‘style’ my hair. He loved pretending to be a hairdresser and we used to have a conversation about our life as hairdresser and customer. He was around 5 at the time. The reason it was so poignant he remembered it was at the time my ex husband had just walked out after I discovered his affair. I was really struggling, we both were and this bit of time in the evening before bed was actually just my way to cope, comfy seat and no expectation but to my DS, it was love. Felt like sharing in case any other mums are going through difficult times and wondering if the small things will even matter. They do. X

Aww this is really lovely 🥰 I'm so glad you and your son had that special time together while going through turmoil and that it's a good memory for him 💐

Children like routine because it is safety. When they are in a predictable environment it reduces anxiety and therefore means they feel safe. It’s particularly important when there has been a major change like the separation of parents. Thanks for sharing xx

This is so lovely.

I had a similar experience with mine.

The small routines are predictable and that predictability is what makes them feel safe in uncertain times - there are lots of big changes happening right now but mummy and I always do this.

The small things always matter!