What is a Daily Routine Chart For Kids?
Teaching your little ones about healthy habits and responsibilities can be pretty tough, right? It’s not always simple to get them started with certain tasks, and even when they do get started, sometimes they forget what the next step is. Here’s what I learned recently: forming good habits with your kids starts with a solid daily routine!
Even a simple routine chart, like the one below, can be a total game changer and actually help with child development, which I chat more about on my podcast episode “Breakthrough Strategies for Whole Child Development” with Stephanie Krauss. Just check it out and thank me later…
Basically, a daily routine chart, also known as a chore chart, can help keep your little one on track, and over time, they’ll start to take more responsibility in their day to day life. So today, I’m sharing some tips, tricks, and a daily routine chart to help your child or children stay organized and build good habits.
What is a Daily Routine Chart For Kids?
A daily routine chart for kids is EXACTLY what it sounds like. It’s a super helpful visual tool that outlines the tasks and activities that your child needs to complete throughout the day. From brushing their teeth to getting ready for bed, this chart is a clear guide that makes it easy for them to stay on track.
It works well as it breaks down the day into manageable steps for your child, making it easier for them to follow a routine. The great thing about it is that it’s totally flexible too! You can customize and change it based on your child’s age, needs, and schedule. Plus, it’s a fun way to help them take ownership of their day, build responsibility, and create habits that stick.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Routine For Kids?
Teaches healthy habits.
Having a daily routine can help kids form healthy habits by reinforcing positive behaviors every day. Whether it’s brushing their teeth, getting ready in the morning, cooking and eating balanced meals, or getting enough sleep, routine charts remind them to practice self-care regularly. Over time, these habits become second nature.
Encourages responsibility.
When kids follow a daily routine, they learn to take ownership of their tasks. Whether it’s packing their backpack for school or putting away toys, they begin to learn that actions have consequences and that they’re responsible for their own time.
Promotes emotional resilience.
Emotional resilience is super important for children. With a structured routine, kids have a sense of security and predictability which helps them feel more confident when navigating changes and challenges. When kids can expect certain, unchangeable things, anxiety and tantrums diminish.
Improves time management.
As kids start following a daily routine, they get much better at managing their time. By having a set schedule for chores, their morning routine, play, and study time, they can better learn how to prioritize important tasks and avoid messing around.
Boosts confidence and self-esteem.
Kids can feel a strong sense of accomplishment when they tick off tasks when following their routine. This boosts confidence and self-esteem, helping them feel more confident and capable. Self-esteem and confidence are both crucial in a child’s life, so having something in their daily life to work on these things can set them up for success when they hit the real world.
How To Make A Daily Routine Chart For Kids
Use a visual chart with pictures.
Use a chart with pictures to help kids follow routines, especially pre-readers, and just to make it more fun and engaging. Tasks like brushing teeth and eating breakfast can be easily represented with images. Just make sure you place it somewhere visible and in reaching distance so kids can tick off or sticker completed tasks.
Create a magnetic or velcro chart.
Make a chart with magnetic or velcro pieces for a hands-on approach. Kids can move the pieces as they complete tasks. It’s interactive and rewarding which kids absolutely love. I really like just how easy this type of chart is to use, and I like that it’s also very cheap to make if you’re on a budget.
Create printable routine templates.
You can use my printable daily routine chart below to get the best out of your child's daily routine. It’s flexible, easy to update, and you can choose to print it out, decorate it, and laminate for reuse. Preparing your kids routine on a clear, engaging piece of paper can make it so much more effective.
Opt for a whiteboard or chalkboard routine chart.
Creating a reusable chart with a whiteboard or chalkboard is perfect for older kids who read, and those who need to change things on the schedule. It’s super easy to update and personalize, and allows kids to fill in daily tasks and erase them when done.
Use a reward, sticker, or start chart.
Add a reward system to your kids daily routine by giving stickers or stars for completed tasks, which can be exchanged for rewards. Add a sticker or star for each task, and set a reward goal for the week as this can really help motivate your little ones.
Each Sunday, you can give them their hard-earned reward, or even take them to a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This can really help encourage them and keep them going.
Printable Chart For Daily Routine
A daily routine chart for kids can empower kids for success!
Now you can use a daily routine chart that will help your kids slow down and stay on task, even when they feel a bit overwhelmed. Daily routine charts are a great way to build healthy habits, promote emotional resilience, improve time management, boost confidence and self-esteem, and SO much more. And if you’re looking for the same benefits, consider your own daily routine chart, or even a solid Sunday reset routine.
Have you ever used a daily routine chart in your home? What difference do you think it made? Let me know!