Schedules and Routines in Early Childhood

Routine is vital for developing children and remains a crucial part of daily life throughout adolescence, teen years and adulthood. Structured days and weeks provide a sense of familiarity, safety and control to children and adults alike. They teach discipline and independence while allowing space for much-needed freedom and fun.

Structure is a natural part of development. If you carefully watch young children, you may notice they get hungry or tired at the same times most days and become irritable if they miss meals or naps. Familiarizing yourself with the importance of routines in early childhood can help you set a positive schedule that benefits you and your child.

Why Are Routines Important for Children?

Routine provides consistency and predictability, which make children feel secure. Constant changes are jarring to anyone — even more so for children with developing emotions.

A schedule also prioritizes vital needs and healthy habits — like brushing their teeth and having enough play, food and rest — so setting and sticking to a schedule meets your child's needs.

7 Benefits of Routines and Schedules

Setting a schedule for your child is holistically beneficial. By having a routine, your child can experience these advantages.

1. Cooperation

A schedule is a natural way to teach your child to cooperate with expectations such as putting away their toys. Routines can eliminate constant power struggles over these tasks by making a typical part of each day.

2. Transitions

It can be challenging for your child to constantly bounce between activities and caregivers. Establishing routines for children from a young age can simplify these transitions. You can even create little rituals that make your child aware it's time for a change.

• Singing a song when driving between home and school.
• Turning chores into mini games or challenges.
• Reading stories or books aloud to get ready for bedtime.

A predictable structure also helps with more significant transitions, such as moving from day care to kindergarten.

3. Independence

Sticking to a routine teaches children to be responsible and master skills independently. Give your child responsibilities and assign them to complete chores at set times each day. Knowing that they are capable of doing things by themselves also boosts confidence.

4. Self-Control

A schedule can teach your child to develop patience and self-discipline. They'll learn to wait until the appointed times to do activities like making their bed or setting the table for dinner.

5. Social Skills

Routine interactions are perfect for building your child's social development. For example, the habits you set at meals will teach your child table manners. Eating together is also an excellent way to bond as a family. Encourage your child to tell you about the best parts of their day, then reciprocate. This simple practice helps children develop emotional intelligence. You can instill other good habits, too, like saying goodnight to everyone in the family before brushing their teeth and getting into bed.

6. Well-Being

Having a schedule teaches your child the importance of eating properly, managing their hygiene, completing their school projects and going to bed at a set time to get enough rest. These healthy habits will become second nature to your child, forming the foundation of lifelong self-care.

7. Bonding

Routine tasks do not have to be mundane. You can transform baths, meals and chores into meaningful bonding times.

While routine benefits your kids, it is just as helpful for you as a parent or guardian. Implementing a schedule when your child is young will help you feel less overwhelmed by all your daily caregiving responsibilities as they grow up.

The Elements of an Effective Routine for Children

Every child and family is unique, so you must tailor a routine to fit your lifestyle. Still, you can consider these elements when scheduling.

• Daily basics: An effective schedule starts with daily basics like setting naptimes and planning meals.
• Transitions: Transitions are a natural part of the day. For many children, it helps to include a few minutes of getting ready to move on to the next activity or part of the day.
• Group activities: Group activities are vital for your child's social development. These should already be part of every day at a day care or primary school. Consider adding play dates or sports to your schedule if you are a homeschool or stay-at-home parent.
• Individual activities: Include quiet times for your child to enjoy independent activities like reading or drawing.
• Outdoor time: Being outside has numerous mental and physical health benefits for kids and adults. An effective schedule should include outdoor activities like swimming, sports or a picnic lunch.
• Free time: A healthy schedule allows your child time for free play. Slot in time each day for your child to decide what they want to do and have some unstructured fun.

How to Create Effective Routines

Establishing a routine may take time, but you can make it work for you and your child!

• Be consistent: While your initial impulse may be to include more variety so your child does not become bored, the goal is to give them a sense of control while instilling good habits.
• Make your routine visible: Posting the schedule where your kids can see it makes it much easier to follow.
• Individualize schedules: Children will ask for more autonomy over their daily tasks as they grow older and gain independence. You can let your child customize a written schedule or chore list by decorating it themselves.

Scheduling FAQs

Explore the answers to these frequently asked questions about routines and schedules.

Will Routine Affect My Child's Creativity and Spontaneity?

Introducing structure from a good, loving place won't dull your child's sense of wonder or creativity. Your routines should be healthy, not oppressive. Always incorporate time for unstructured fun, and do not get upset if you need to change your plans.

There will naturally be times when you relax somewhat — a special occasion comes up, or your child needs extra time to finish all their chores. Allow the freedom for these adjustments as needed.

What Age Do Children Need Routine?

While you could start a schedule for naptimes and bedtimes at around 4 months old, you can implement a more consistent daily routine when your child is a toddler.

How Does Montessori Help With Routine?

Montessori education emphasizes routine for teaching children self-discipline and motivation. Your child can enjoy intriguing sensory experiences and individualized education in a Montessori classroom while learning at their preferred pace.

Set Your Child's Healthy Routine With Sapientia Montessori

Structure is crucial for your child's development. Eliminating unnecessary stress within your family's dynamic will also improve everyone's well-being.

At Sapientia Montessori, we understand the importance of routines for children. We prioritize what is best for your child and help them reach their full potential through our engaging, hands-on and tailored educational programs.

We offer preschool, primary and full private elementary Montessori education in Cedar Park, Texas. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or the Montessori Method. Our registration is always open!