As a parent or caregiver, you have likely heard other parents discuss the importance of routines in raising children. Some parents cringe at the mention of the word “routine” because it brings to mind strict schedules. It can be daunting to think about doing everything at a set time, especially when balancing a full life.
However, creating a daily routine for kids can be done without being tied to a clock. You can create a routine that works for your kids without worrying about a hard-to-manage schedule. Establishing a routine when your child is young is an important way to provide security, stability, and cultivate good behavior.
IMPORTANCE OF CREATING A DAILY ROUTINE FOR KIDS
There are several reasons why creating a daily routine for kids is very important for every parent to adapt. Here are five reasons why you should consider creating a daily routine for your toddler:
- Enables kids to learn time management at an early stage.
- Enables kids to stay focused and prevents boredom.
- Teaches children discipline.
- Aids children in developing and refining their sense of responsibility.
- Helps in decision-making and planning.
HOW TO CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE CHART FOR YOUR KIDS
While there are several routine templates online, creating and curating templates personalized for your child is a better option as it allows you to point out all the specifics your child needs to achieve daily. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your personalized daily routine chart for your kids:
- Gather supplies to create from scratch
To create a routine chart, use a large poster board coupled with a variety of markers, colored pencils, and other writing materials.
Having a variety of colors helps to color-code each task on the board. This is a great way to attract and enable the little ones to understand their responsibilities. If you have a toddler, you can use images instead.
- Create a checklist
Any erasable surface is a great option if you want to create a way for your child to mark off completed tasks. Giving children a way to show their progress gives them a sense of accomplishment and praise for the work they do.
- Identify the task for the day
Use the chart to identify the tasks your child needs to complete each day. Some common tasks for children include: getting dressed, making the bed, feeding pets, helping with dishes, setting the table, completing homework, and cleaning up toys.
Customize these tasks when creating the daily routine chart but remember to indicate when you expect them to be done. Separating the morning chores from the evening chores helps aid organization.
- Display the chart where everyone can see it
Once the chart is ready, show it to your kids and explain how it will be used. Establishing the routine won’t happen overnight so regularly remind them until it turns into a habit. The point here is to develop the habits and be patient while they adjust to them.
- Revisit regularly to adjust
Go over the chart periodically to make amends. When the children outgrow a habit, replace it with another. Keep it updated.
Creating a daily routine for children doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The significance of daily routines cannot be overemphasized.
TEN TIPS TO HELP CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE WITH YOUR KIDS
Creating a daily routine for kids helps instill discipline, productivity, and time management at a young age. This plays a crucial role in shaping them into responsible individuals as they mature. Here are a few important tips to note when setting a daily routine for your child:
1. Involve children in the decision-making process: Discuss the plan with them and work with their needs and personalities. Create something that works for you and them. However, let your child have a say in how their daily routines are structured.
2. Make sure the routine is realistic and fits your child’s age: When creating a routine, make sure it is achievable, measurable, and realistic. Explain the process to your child, and supervise them until it becomes a habit.
3. Use visual cards, images, or charts for younger children: If your kids are too young to read a schedule, take photos of each activity of the day, label the photos, and put them in the order of the day.
4. Give room for adjustments if the process doesn’t work: If your child is unable to complete a specific task, within the routine and time frame, consider adjusting the timeframe or breaking the task into smaller segments.
5. Be flexible: Give room for flexibility during weekends, festive periods, and holidays. Let them nap longer than usual, sleep later, have an extra snack or meal, etc.
6. Ensure the child understands the process: Make sure your child knows what to do, when to do it, and how to do it even without supervision or help. Teach them the process and how to go about it. It may take time so be patient.
7. Have a checklist: Create a checklist to help them keep track of their activities and how they go about it. This is just to show accountability.
8. Commend their efforts: Appreciate their efforts if they do well with the routine and if they still struggle with keeping up, encourage them and let them know they can do better if they push harder. A reward system, such as using stickers, can be set up for this purpose.
Here are more resoruces to help you create a solid daily routine for your kids
www.cassiesmallwood.com/free-printable-daily-routine-checklist-for-kids/
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/daily-routines-for-kids_00763085/
https://www.purewow.com/family/daily-schedule-for-kidsv
https://www.joyfulheartschildcare.com/2023/11/23/importanceofgratitude/