Supporting Regulation When Routines Change

Why Routines Matter for Children’s Regulation

As the year winds down, routines naturally shift. School finishes, activities pause, bedtimes drift, and holiday preparations take over. For many children, especially neurodivergent children, this change can feel confusing, overwhelming, or unsafe. Routines are more than schedules—they are regulatory anchors.

Research from sensory processing theory reminds us that more than 80 percent of the nervous system is involved in processing and organising sensory input (Stock Kranowitz). Predictability helps the brain conserve energy and stay regulated.

When routine disappears, children can show:

• More emotional outbursts

• Difficulty sleeping

• Resistance to new activities

• Sensory seeking or avoidant behaviour

• Increased clinginess or anxiety
  

This is not misbehaviour — it is dysregulation.

How to Support Your Child When Routines Shift

1. Keep One or Two Predictable Anchors

You don't need to keep a full routine — just choose one or two things that stay the same each day.
Examples:

• Breakfast ritual

• A movement break after lunch

• Quiet play before bed

• A visual daily schedule
  

Consistency helps the nervous system feel safe.

2. Use Movement to Regulate Emotions

Movement supports vestibular and proprioceptive input, which are powerful regulators.

Try including:

• Park play

• Bike riding

• Scooter time

• Jumping on the trampoline

• Animal walks indoors

• Carrying groceries or watering plants with a full watering can
  

Movement resets the body far more effectively than talking does.

3. Create Micro-Routines

When the day feels unpredictable, simple micro-routines help children feel grounded.

Examples:

• A “morning jobs” list

• A 10-minute tidy up before dinner

• Dimming the lights or lighting a candle when reading stories

• One consistent bedtime cue (same song, same book, same light)
  

Micro-routines act like soft structure when the bigger routine is messy.

4. Prepare for Overwhelm Before It Happens

Holiday environments can be noisy, unpredictable, and socially demanding.

You can help your child by preparing:

• Noise-cancelling headphones

• A quiet corner at home or at events

• A favourite toy or comfort item

• A visual schedule for the day

• Scripts to explain what will happen (“We will see Nan, eat lunch, then have some quiet time.”)

5. Use Emotion Coaching Language

Instead of “You’re fine,” try:

• “It feels different today. I’m here with you.”

• “Your body is telling us it needs a break.”

• “Let’s help your body feel safe again.”
  

This builds emotional literacy and co-regulation.

Final Takeaway

Your child doesn't need perfect routines to thrive — they need predictability, connection, and support. Even small adjustments can dramatically reduce overwhelm and help your child feel more grounded during December.