Structurally Sound...

The importance of regimen, routine, and structure, begins in childhood and carries forward into our adult lives. People, as a species, function best within certain parameters and guide-lines. Whether or not we recognize this to be true, is another story. When we witness children, left to their own devices, often, the result of this is negative behavior in those children. These bad behaviors, and negative traits may, will, and, often, do carry over into the adult lives of said children. Structure is imperative for there to exist a sense of well-being to and for a child. Routine gives children a sense of security and helps them develop self-discipline; It can aid in minimizing the 'fear-factor' in a child's life. When we are young, every change represents fear, whether or not we realize this to be true. This is evident in watching a child who's on the verge of taking his or her first steps. Frequently, he or she will resort to crawling, once again, because the act of walking is unfamiliar and kinda scary. Even as adults, when attempting something new, or unfamiliar, we, sometimes, resort to old patterns of behavior...go back to an anxiety-neutral condition; Even though it may not serve us well, it's familiarity feels good. Anticipated and expected routine offers a comfort zone; A predictable routine allows children to feel safe, and to develop a sense of mastery in handling their lives. As this sense of mastery is strengthened, they can tackle larger changes. Regimen, offered to us when we are young, brings about life-skills which serve us well all throughout our lives. We can learn how, best, to minimize chaos in our lives through the learning of organizational skills. Structure, introduced at an early age, allows us to internalize constructive habits which benefit us, always. In the years since I have stopped working outside of my home; forced into 'early retirement' through my physical ails, I have become very aware of the importance of keeping somewhat of a schedule for myself; performing at daily task(s) and accomplishing them within a set time-frame. In this way, I never feel overwhelmed or concerned about having the time to accomplish things throughout any given day. The need for structure was always made evident to me when, while my sons were young and in school, summer vacation rolled around. I kept my sons constructively occupied, as best I could, through the utilization of summer camp, chores, etc. In that I worked in the school department, during most of those years, and enjoyed the same time off, it was easier for me to try to exercise some sort of schedule for us. What I soon discovered, over the years, was that, after a point during vacation, we were all craving more regimen. The desire for a more structured day became evident; and, whether or not the boys ever admitted to this fact, they were, truly, happy, to be back in school, to be involved in a regular routine and regimen, as was I to be back to work. Too much 'free' time is not good for anyone. As my Memere always said to us, while we were growing up, 'Idle hands are the Devil's play thing.' Of course, as a child, I was hard-pressed to really 'get' what this statement meant. As an adult, I understand; Keeping constructively occupied, by way of a structured existence, keeps us happier...and, often, out of 'trouble'! Naturally, once in awhile, it's imperative to free one's self of the routine, to kick back, and do whatever one feels like doing...WHENEVER. But, if you're anything like me, you'll tire of this, soon enough, and, the desire for your regular routine will call you back to reality. We cannot help ourselves...it's in our nature! Just Sayin'...