Creating a routine for kids is essential not only to make your life easier but it’s also very reassuring for them. Children need structure in their life to feel safe, especially in this unprecedented period we are in.
Routines will change depending on the age of your children, as well as their personality. A routine for a baby is quite different from the routine for kids in elementary school.
You can start a routine with your child right from birth (although it won’t be easy!) but it also depends on your child. I had two different routines for my two children because they had different behaviors!
For example, my daughter stopped taking naps early (3-4 years old) because she simply didn’t need them. My son, who is now 5 years old, just stopped taking afternoon naps 2 weeks ago, right before he started kindergarten.
Here is a reference guide per group age to help you create a routine with your children. Please note that I based myself on the routines I have and have with my kids. Everything will depend on your child; this is only a guide to help you get started.
How to Create a Routine at 0-3 months
This part really depends on your baby. Some need more sleep, some are breastfed every 30 minutes or every 3 hours, etc. Get to know your baby.
What helped me the most is writing down every time I bottle-fed my babies (including the time it was and the quantity in ounces they drank), the diaper changes (and what it was), and the time my babies slept. Not only you will be able to notice patterns, but you will be able to answer more precisely to your baby’s pediatrician questions.
Make sure to insert playtime when your baby is awake, whether it is on a play mat or with age-appropriate toys to develop their dexterity, like rattles and discovery cubes.
How to Create a Routine at 6-12 months
Morning
· 6 am: First bottle
· 7am: Breakfast with solid foods
· 8am: Play time (with age-appropriate toys)
· Between 9 am and 10 am: Bottle, then nap time (the length of the nap will depend on your child’s needs. For me, it varied between 45 minutes and 2 hours).
Afternoon
· 12pm: Bottle and lunch
· 1 pm: Playtime
· Between 2 pm and 3 pm: Bottle, then nap time (if the weather is good, you can put your baby in the stroller and get him to nap while you take a walk outside. This will get them some fresh air, and it is also beneficial for you).
· 5 pm: Bottle and dinner
· 6 pm: Bath time, then playtime
· 7 pm: Calming activities, like reading a book, rocking the baby
· 8 pm: Bottle, then bedtime
How to Create a Routine at 1-3 Years Old
Morning
· Between 6am and 8 am: Breakfast + milk
· After breakfast: Have them choose their outfit
· Between 7 am and 9 am: Playtime (guided age-appropriate activities)
· 10 am: Milk, then nap time (the nap should be shorter, around 30-45 minutes depending on your child’s needs and habits)
· 11 am: Light snack and more playtime
Afternoon
· 12 pm: Lunch time+ milk
· 1 pm: Playtime (if the weather is good, take them to the park)
· 2 pm: Milk + nap time (again, it could be between 30 and 45 minutes)
· 3 pm: More playtime (guided age-appropriate activities)
· 5 pm: Dinner + milk
· 6 pm: Have them help you put away their toys + relaxing activities
· 7 pm: Have them choose their pajama + bath time
· 7:30 pm: Milk + bedtime
How to Create a Routine at 4-6 Years Old
Morning
· Between 6 am and 8 am: Breakfast
· After breakfast: Have them choose their outfit and dress up
· Between 8 am and 10 am: Lightly supervised playtime
· 10 am: Snack
· Between 10:30 and 12 pm: If the weather is good, take them outside. If not, do a special activity, like crafting, watching a movie, playing age-appropriate board games or video games
Afternoon
· 12 pm: Lunch
· 1 pm: Nap time or quiet time (depending on the kid’s needs)
· 2 pm: Playtime
· 3 pm: Snacks
· 5 pm: Dinner
· After dinner: Have them put away their plate and utensils
· 6 pm: Have them help you put away their toys
· 6:30 pm: Have them choose their pajamas, then bath time
· 7 pm: Bedtime story, then bedtime
Recap: Putting Your Kids on a Routine
Again, this is simply a guide to help you with creating a routine for kids through the day and bring some structure to your child’s life. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same every day. For example, on the weekends, they could have activities, like swimming lessons, dance classes, karate, piano, you name it!
When my kids were younger, I would take them with me every Saturday morning to go grocery shopping. I used to run all my errands on Saturday mornings to let their dad sleep and we would take a break on Sunday.
It wasn’t always easy but at least, since they had a good night of sleep, they were usually on their best behaviors!
Moreover, when they are a little older, it’s okay to let them watch a movie while you clean up a bit or prepare dinner. Kids need to develop their autonomy from early on, with supervision. Keep an eye on them to ensure their safety but let them discover the world at their own pace.
Finally, another great technique to help with the structure of creating a routine for kids is to use visuals. I bought a magnet calendar to put on the fridge, with magnets that indicate different elements of the routine (i.e. wash your hands, brush your teeth, dress up, read a book, etc.).
At the end of the day, you can choose between a happy face, a neutral face, and a sad face. At the end of the week, you can offer them a reward of your choice depending on the number of happy faces. The visual aspect of it really gives a better idea to the kids of the day.
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