Mealtimes and bedtimes: Windows to family routines and rituals

While a number of studies have explored occupation in families of children with disabilities, those of typically developing children have been relatively neglected. In this study, qualitative methodology was employed to understand the mealtime and bedtime routines and rituals of families of typically developing children (less than 6 years). Ten mothers participated in a 90‐minute semi‐structured interview. The findings contribute to occupational science through enhancing our understanding of the nature of these family occupations as either routines or rituals, highlighting the importance of routines in orchestrating the complex demands of family life and the contribution of rituals to the emotional fabric and well‐being of families. Study limitations and avenues for future research are addressed.