For most of us, our lives involve a series of patterns — routines we perform almost every day, like stopping at the same place each day for coffee on the way to work. This is also very true for children. While we play a part in creating routines in our children’s lives, we may not fully realize the role they play in young children’s development.
Consistent routines provide comfort and a sense of safety to young children. Following a schedule each day makes children feel safer and happier, which often leads to better behavior and cooperation. When they know what to expect, and what’s expected of them, kids feel more comfortable and confident about what lies ahead.
Find More Ways to Play!
- Watch PBS KIDS shows on the PBS KIDS Video app.
- Download and print activities about routines for PreK-K and grades 1-2.
PBS KIDS Podcasts
Listen together as a family with your favorite PBS KIDS characters with these new podcasts!
Daily Routine Charts for Kids
Make a Bedtime Routine Book
30 min activityCreate a "My Bedtime Routine" book to help your child feel more secure and comfortable at bedtime.
Create a Kid’s Calendar in Two Ways
30 min activityHelp your child learn to keep track of days and months with this calendar activity.
Plan Ahead With a Refrigerator Calendar
Take the time to create a calendar with your child to help them start building independence and responsibility.
Weekly Planner
Use this weekly planner to help your child prepare for the days ahead and keep track of weekly schedules.
DIY Fun Time Spinners
15 min activitySometimes parents need children to play quietly while they work or take a break. Create a Fun Time Spinner with activities your child can do alone. Make a second spinner filled with family-friendly activities you can do as a family after work or on the weekends.
Make a "Plan Your Day" Book
Help your child create a book that illustrates healthy habits to do all day.
My Morning Routine
Lyla and her family have a lot to do in the morning — and so do you! Draw or write what you do in your morning routine.
Bedtime Routine Chart
Having sweet dreams starts with a bedtime routine! Make a chart to keep track of the things you do before going to bed.
How to Get Back Into a Routine
Practice SUPER Morning and Bedtime Routines
20 min activityTry these simple morning and bedtime routines with your child to help them navigate daily transitions as they wake up and go to sleep.
Smoother Transitions to Help Your Child Through Daily Routines
Children have a hard time moving from one task to another during morning and bedtime routines for many reasons. Here are some ways to help them transition.
Setting a Routine for Success at School
When they know what to expect, and what’s expected of them, kids feel more comfortable and confident about what lies ahead. Here are tips on helping children with routines.
10 Ideas for a Calming Morning Routine
A solid morning routine is a great way to start the day. Here are some simple things you can do in the mornings to create a calming morning routine filled with connection.
3 Words That Reframe, “How Was Your Day?”
Every day has ups and downs. Every day we experience a rainbow of feelings. By sharing yay, oops, and blah moments, we normalize the fact that nearly every day contains all three feelings.
Get Ready for Bedtime With These Tips From “Donkey Hodie”
Bedtime can be challenging for kids, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are five tips to help your kids wind down for bed.
3 Ways to Smooth Out Your Morning Routine
Feeling like your morning routine is a struggle? Here are three ways to improve your routine with kids!
Add Music Into Your Family's Daily Routines
Parenting is like making music — both require creativity. Grammy-nominated artist Pierce Freelon, the voice of BoomBox in the “Jamming on the Job” podcast, shares three ways parents can use music to improvise, collaborate, and think outside the box.