The Real Benefits of a Solid Routine

Kids thrive with routine and structure. From brushing teeth before bed to filling their water bottle before school, the magic of a solid routine can help children feel secure and supported. Establishing a consistent routine for children can offer major benefits to parents too! By creating a gentle framework, routines establish healthy habits and help kids take charge of their day. Read on to learn more about the importance of routines for children and tips to create your own family-friendly routine.

Confidence and Autonomy

Big confidence starts with small steps. As kids practice the steps of their routine, every small win can be celebrated! Growing kids will jump at the chance to demonstrate their independence. Their growing autonomy also will set a foundation for their future habits.

Time Management

Have you ever wished there were more hours in the day? Between school, household chores and extracurricular activities, routines can help kids improve time management – a skill that translates into all areas of life. Routines are great practice for managing responsibilities within a time frame and sharpening decision-making skills.

Health and Wellness

Did you know that consistent sleep habits can boost your immune system? Creating a consistent routine can have awesome brain health and wellness benefits. In fact, nurturing a child’s circadian rhythm starts from infancy. Over time, your child’s evolving bedtime routine can be a great opportunity to model hygiene habits, enjoy bedtime stories and create your own traditions to ensure they feel more regulated, rested and ready for their next adventure!

Safety and Security

How could a routine create a sense of security or safety? In short, the answer is the comfort of predictability. Like when a child knows who picks them up and at what time, routines can soothe uncertainty. Knowing what to expect helps children feel safer, more grounded and more in control, especially during transitional periods.

Tips and Tricks

Children develop at a rapid pace, absorbing information from every new experience and discovery. Whether it’s a daily checklist, an independent task or a go-to morning ritual, finding what routines work best for your family is key.

1. Maximize Choices  
   By creating a routine that maximizes choice, children are much more likely to respond in a positive way.  
    
2. Add a Spark of Fun  
   Adding fun rituals to routines is a great way to boost motivation. Whether it’s  shadow puppets before bedtime or a silly dance after a chore has been completed, adding fun to your routine creates connection.  
    
3. Model Routines  
   When grown-ups effectively model the steps of a new routine, kids are quick to catch on! Before you know it, a solid routine can become second nature.  
    
4. Create a Reward System  
   Celebrate consistency! Whether it’s their favorite treat or an extra hour to sleep in on the weekend, create a reward system that helps kids earn points or prizes for sticking with their daily habits.

Find Success in Your Routine

Between bedtime stories, a checklist of household chores or a go-to morning ritual that helps everyone stay connected, a consistent routine adds structure to their world. Looking for more ways to grow while having fun? Keep exploring trending topics on our blog.