Temperament Trait - Rhythmicity

This is the 5th in a series of 11 blog posts about temperament. (Click here to return to the beginning)

When observing a child for Rhythmicity it is a question of regularity - does your child have an innate routine for eating and sleeping or is each day different?  Highly rhythmic babies fall into a routine naturally, waking and sleeping at the same times every day, being hungry at predictable times and eliminating on schedule. Babies with low rhythmicity are unpredictable - they may sleep for hours one day and skip nap altogether the next day. They may feed every two hours one day and have no appetite the next. 

At the consistent, predictable end of the spectrum  

• Babies will help parents to establish a schedule with their natural rhythms

• Toddlers will need snacks if meals are delayed

• Children may struggle with the disruptions caused by sleepovers 

• Teens will struggle with time changes and experience jet lag

• Adults will wake up at the same time weekdays and weekends regardless of what happened the night before
  
  

At the unpredictable or inconsistent end of the spectrum

• Babies need to be watched more closely for hunger and fatigue cues

• Toddlers may resist structured mealtimes if they are not hungry and structured nap times if they are not tired

• Children may lose track of time

• Teens can lose sleep during intense study periods and catch up later

• Adults may gravitate to more flexible workplaces with less rigid scheduling
  
  

For youngsters with low Rhythmicity it is okay to create routines like the 6:00 p.m. family dinner - but reframe it as a time to come together and enjoy each other's company whether or not you're hungry. A child doesn't have to sleep during nap time but it is okay to still schedule a regular quiet period for resting. Observing the time, adhering to schedules, and following itineraries are all facets of life that these children need to be introduced to and prepared for. They will however, especially enjoy unscheduled, flex time. 

For the child with high Rhythmicity it is the disruptions to routine that require preparation. Little mini routines for making transitions from home to school to daycare or from one home to another can be helpful. As a parent you plan ahead for this child bringing the elements of the routine along with you wherever you go. As they mature, you are teaching this child to plan ahead for themselves.