Why Routines?
Routines are important because they give children a sense of security and control over their environment. Children learn what to expect at different times of the day. They feel pride and satisfaction when they can participate in and perform these routines.
Patterns Children Can Count On
Five tips to establish successful
routines with your child:
Routines Build Independence
Preschoolers like to be independent but sometimes they need a parent’s encouragement. Teaching independence through skills like feeding, hand washing, brushing teeth, and dressing are important steps in development that can be achieved when children are taught how to do each step in each routine.
Morning Routines
A key to a smooth morning is preparing the night before—make lunches, pack backpacks, and set out clothes. Make sure you allow enough time that your child can go at their own pace.
Some parents find it helpful to create a morning routine chart with pictures and drawings that remind children what tasks need to be completed. Try to remove distractions such as television and favorite books or toys as it can distract them from what needs to get done.
Following a morning routine helps everyone be on time. It also helps children be healthier, better behaved, and perform better in school.
Bedtime Routines
Preschoolers need 11 to 13 hours of sleep each night to be healthy, behave well, and learn. Establishing a bedtime routine is one way to achieve this. If your child needs to wake up at 7 AM, they need to go to sleep between 6-8 PM.
Be consistent with bedtime routines by starting around the same time each night and going in the same order (e.g. bath, pajamas, brush teeth, read book). Give children gentle reminders before bedtime. Try to encourage calm activities before you start to get them to sleep, such as a bath, books, puzzles, or soothing music. Sometimes the bedtime routine continues after bedtime, such as checking in on a child after a certain amount
Preschoolers & Sleep
Preschoolers & Self Control
Screen Time
Play Together
