Maintaining and Creating Family Routines Routines are very important for a child, particularly since the family has been radically changed by the breakup. When possible, little things -- bedtime stories, movie night, game night, dinner time, visits with relatives -- should stay the same. Rituals and routines are what make an individual. The loss of routine lessens a child's sense of security and can ultimately cause a weakening of identity. New rituals or routines should replace those lost as a result of the breakup. For example, a visit to a museum can be used in place of a walk in a park because both can be scheduled and mean time shared by parent and child. Here are normal family events that are usually routinized and ritualized: dinner, bedtime, mornings, movie night, game night, visits with family and friends, sporting events, trips to the zoo, treats like ice cream, fishing, going out to dinner, walks in the park, vacations, and trips to the circus. Table of Contents

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