A childcare routine is designed for the optimal well-being of a human. It can be simplified into five parts: nutrition, rest, physical growth, mental growth and life tasks.
We feed our young fresh -even better, organic- foods. We ensure they consume foods from all groups. We employ cooking methods that retain as much of the nutrients as possible, such as steaming, boiling, pureeing. We closely monitor their fluid intake. They drink chiefly water and milk.
We make sure our kids wake up early and go to bed early. They clock in at least 7-8 hours of sleep, every single day. Nap times, if any, are thoughtfully scheduled.
Mental growth
They get playtime, not passive entertainment time. Everything given to them for fun, from LEGO blocks to books to educational cartoon programmes, is carefully curated to help their expand their minds.
Life tasks
We make sure our kids brush their teeth, put their toys away neatly and bring their plates to the sink.
When we are adults, these routines and guidelines that are designed for optimal living and growth are thrown out. In their stead, we consume fried foods and sugary drinks. We stay up late binge-watching TV shows. We become couch potatoes. We let our bellies grow and sag. Entertainment is mindless reality TV or video games. We leave our belongings strewn all around. And all of this is accepted, because we work so hard as adults?
Translating kiddie rules into adult rules
Nutrition
As an adult, you get to make the choices for yourself. And sometimes, it's harder to make good, difficult choices for yourself than someone else. Simple rules to follow: No sugar. No fried foods. Get your veggies in. Hit your water intake. Never skip a meal. This means going for the grilled salmon
steak over the piece of fried chicken. It means choosing the fruit bowl instead of the chocolate cake.
Rest
Sleep and wake up early at the same
time every day. If you want to nap on weekends, make sure it won’t affect your
bedtime that same night. Plan and follow through with your daily rest time, so you won’t even
accumulate ‘sleep debt’.
Physical growth
Work out 3-5 times a week. Do a combination
of resistance, cardio and recovery training. Lift some weights. Learn proper
form. Kids know how to squat instinctively, it is a fundamental movement that
we should employ whenever we bend down to pick something up. Relearn that. Work
on your mobility, you will be thankful for this especially in the later years of your
life. Get your heart rate up at least 30 minutes a day. You will feel a rush of
endorphins and get a healthy glow to your skin.
Mental growth
Mental growth should be both relaxing and engaging playtime
for adults. It can be anything that makes you feel (versus something that is mind numbing and effortlessly addictive). Read
books and watch films that make you laugh, cry, think. Take a walk outside and
see the wonder in the blue of the sky and enjoy the feel of the sun on your
skin. Learn how to cook a signature dish. Take pleasure in the smell of freshly
baked bread. Write a letter to someone or a blog post. Travel. Be present.
Life tasks
Live a life of discipline. Pack your work
bag the night before. Have a nightly personal care routine. Go to the dentist every 6
months. Apply sunblock. Make the bed every time you leave it. Clear that email
inbox every evening. You don't need to lead a regimented military life, but find small changes you know you should make for your own good, actually make them and assess how you feel after two weeks of consistency.
The results of childcare principles in an adult's life
These routines and principles are designed to help the young function and grow into their best selves, and adults who follow them will start to feel an increased sense of well-being.
We consume food that powers us through the day, so there is no more mid-afternoon energy slump. We get sufficient rest so headaches and sluggishness are a thing of the past. Our bodies feel strong, so walking up stairs no longer leave you breathless and you won’t hurt your back trying to lift groceries. We are constantly learning new things and enjoying all the creativity, beauty and experiences the world has to offer. We no longer feel like we've just wasted an entire weekend doing nothing. We don't run into meetings unprepared. Our personal space is tidy in the way that works for us and fills us with calmness. Voila, we are adult-ing successfully. We're in control of our lives.
If you (and your partner) want to have a happy, healthy life together, simply take care of yourselves (and each other) the way you will your child.