As a former teacher, I’ve seen first-hand what a crazy, chaotic day you can have, and having a routine you and your kid can rely on makes a huge difference.
That’s why I’m sharing my Daily Routine Chart with you! It’s a free, printable tool to transform your chaotic days into peaceful, harmonious ones.
So join me in creating a calm routine for both you and your kids so you can turn the chaos into calm and thrive every day!
Key Takeaways
Mama, I know that there are many tips out there, but let’s be real. It’s the practical, easy-to-follow ones that truly impact our busy lives!
My Kids Daily Routine Chart is more than an organizational tool- it’s a tried and true method that helps craft joyful and purposeful days, setting a nurturing rhythm for your family.
So, these major points truly capture the heart of my daily routine chart:
- Stress-Free Mornings: My kids’ daily routine chart is specially designed to transform your stressful morning into a serene start to your day.
- Empowerment Through Structure: Trust me, a consistent routine empowers children and parents alike, promoting independence and confidence in your little ones.
- Harmony at Home: Bringing structure to your days leads to a more harmonious household, setting a positive tone and expectations for the rest of the day.
Also, check out my Stay-At-Home-Mom schedule to see how I balance life and kids while working from home!
Kids Daily Routine Chart
My kids’ routine chart divides the day into morning, afternoon, and evening routines, plus activity suggestions to get you through each day.
Each mini routine will have its own flow and structure to the day, ensuring your kids are engaged in a variety of activities, including:
- Self-care
- Chores
- Learning projects
- Playtime
- Movement activities
- Quiet time activities
This tool offers a framework for your child’s daily routine, fostering stability and predictability, which in turn nurtures your child’s sense of security and self-assurance!
So, mama, take a deep breath, download your free printable chart, and let’s go through each section together.
Morning Routine
A thoughtful morning routine can set a positive tone for the day ahead.
I always used visual cues in the classroom, so naturally, they’ve helped me to make this process simpler and more enjoyable at home as well.
That’s why my daily routine chart is so helpful!
Here are some handy tips to create a successful morning routine for your kids:
- Begin by setting sleep goals to ensure your kids get adequate rest.
- Prep the night before to reduce morning chaos. Pick out clothes that will fit your plans for the next day.
- Have everyone get up, get dressed, and pick out breakfast together.
- Take a few moments in the morning to reconnect with your children, showing them love and appreciation.
- Have everyone help clean up, then send them off to brush their teeth before playtime.
- Playtime is activity time- let’s get moving!
Do these things in the same order every morning, and you’ll be well on your way to calm, happy mornings with your kiddos during summer and school times!
Ideas To Get Moving
Including physical activity in your child’s daily routine is so important. Kids aged 3 and up should aim for around 3 hours of physical activity each day.
There are a ton of easy, enjoyable physical activities you can do as a family. We like to play outdoor games – a family scavenger hunt is one of our favorites.
We also like to do indoor activities, like playing ‘Butterfly’ catch. You don’t have to do jumping jacks or go for a jog to get your kids moving!
Here are some ideas for physical activities this summer:
- Balloon Volleyball: Keep a balloon from touching the ground for a fun, indoor-friendly game.
- Simon Says: Lead a game of Simon Says with actions like jumping, twirling, or touching toes.
- Bubble Chase: Blow bubbles and have your kids try to pop them all before they touch the ground.
- Yoga for Kids: Introduce simple yoga poses that kids can pretend to be different animals.
- Freeze Dance: Play music and have kids freeze in place when it stops – great for listening skills.
- Red Light, Green Light: A classic game that gets kids starting and stopping on command.
- Treasure Hunt: Set up an indoor or outdoor treasure hunt to find toys or items.
If you need more ideas, or you just love free printables like I do, you can find tons of resources online to help organize these activities for your little ones.
Daily Chores
Incorporating daily chores and expectations into routine charts can serve as a practical lesson in responsibility for kids.
Helpful reminders can ensure they stay on track with tasks like sorting laundry, sweeping floors, setting or clearing the table, and helping make and pack their lunch.
We like to make a game out of clean-up time by racing the clock to get the toys picked up.
Turning chores into a game or rewarding them with something they enjoy when tasks are completed can make it less daunting and more enjoyable for kids.
I have some ideas and chore charts by age, but some basics include folding and putting away laundry, cleaning up toys/playtime messes, cleaning their rooms, and helping with pets.
Afternoon Routine
After the morning winds down, it’s time for a filling lunch to recharge little batteries.
After lunch, depending on the age and needs of your child, a quiet nap time might follow. It’s a peaceful interlude for those growing minds and bodies to rest and reset for the adventures ahead.
Post-nap, we delve into some light learning activities. Think of nature walks with a bit of science thrown in or storytelling sessions that whisk them away to far-off lands.
Then, it’s time to step outside! Whether it’s a splash in the pool, a game of tag in the backyard, or a family bike ride, these activities are the heartbeats of summer afternoons.
As the day begins to wind down, we transition to quiet mindfulness activities. It’s a serene way to cultivate inner peace and round out the day before our nighttime routine.
Learning Projects
Children learn best through play and hands-on fun with a variety of subjects.
Projects engage your children, boost critical thinking, and help them apply what they learn in real situations.
From writing, drama, crafts, music, and dance to hands-on activities, these projects ignite creativity and make learning fun and engaging for your children.
Here are some ideas to get you starting:
- Alphabet/Shape Treasure Hunt: Have your kids find items that start with a letter or are in the shape you picked.
- Storytelling with Toys: Encourage your kids to create a story using their toys, boosting their imagination and narrative skills.
- Puzzle Time: Work on jigsaw puzzles suitable for their age to help with problem-solving and fine motor skills.
- Musical Fun: Play different types of music and have children move or dance in ways that they feel represent the music.
- Rhyme Time: Have fun saying nursery rhymes or making up new ones, focusing on rhyming words.
- Simple Science Experiments: Conduct easy and safe experiments like a mini volcano or floating doodles.
Let’s Go Out Ideas
We try to get outside twice a day, depending on the weather. Playing together like this outside gives us a wonderful chance to bond together as a family.
They can include anything from drawing pictures with chalk to creating a fairy garden or enjoying a water balloon fight.
Even just going to your favorite park nearby or walking around a new area can be an interesting way to get moving and be out of the house.
Mindfulness Activities
Practicing mindfulness can be introduced as early as preschool. Including mindfulness activities in your child’s daily routine can boost their mental well-being.
These activities, ranging from simple breathing exercises to yoga and meditation, can really improve your child’s day.
You can walk your child through a simple breathing exercise to calm down before bed or do yoga together.
Just be careful – if you get yourself into a hard yoga pose, like the warrior pose- those little kiddos can knock you down with one quick little push! (Yes, I’m speaking from experience here!)
Dinner & Bedtime Routine
Creating a calm evening routine can help your child unwind and prepare for a good night’s sleep. This ritual might involve bath time, reading, and relaxation techniques.
A bedtime routine chart can provide consistency and promote healthy sleep habits. Plus, reading before bed can enhance their literacy and listening skills.
And no, I’m not just saying that because I’m a teacher, LOL. Reading together can set a peaceful atmosphere for your child to wind down before bed as well.
Here’s a chart I made specifically for bedtime:
BONUS: After School Routine
Now, some of you are thinking about school times- when you’re kids are gone all done, and then you have only a few hours to get things done and relax in the afternoon.
As the afternoon rolls in, attention naturally shifts to a different set of activities, particularly for older kids.
That’s where my free after-school routine comes in!
A structured afternoon routine can boost your child’s confidence, instill responsibility and independence, and reduce power struggles and excessive screen time.
Throughout the school year, homework plays a pivotal role in the afternoon routine. To ensure your child handles this effectively, consider these steps:
- Establish a specific time frame for homework.
- Designate a consistent homework spot.
- Prioritize tasks.
- Incorporate some free time and snack breaks in between to maintain a balanced and enjoyable experience.
FAQs
Is a schedule helpful for kids?
Maintaining a consistent daily schedule can be so beneficial for a child’s growth and well-being. It really helps with their social and emotional development, making them feel safe and happy.
And you know what? Toddler schedules at a young age can also teach them time management and focus skills, which are super important for their emotional and social growth.
And hey, on top of feeling good emotionally, having a daily routine can really boost a child’s learning and school performance.
Do kids do better with a consistent routine?
Yes, keeping consistent routines can offer tremendous benefits for children. They support:
- growth in social-emotional skills
- fostering a sense of security in kids
- enhancing cognitive abilities
- teaching valuable time management skills
- minimizing conflicts
- establishing a stable, nurturing family environment.
A simple daily routine can set your child up for a lifetime of success. Any of my routine charts helps you do just that!
What’s a good daily routine for kids?
Creating a daily routine that combines structure with flexibility allows your child to thrive and explore within safe boundaries.
A morning routine might start with a nourishing breakfast and some time for free play or reading, giving your little ones the energy and calm start they need.
Transitioning through the day can include time for learning, play dates, and creative activities, always ensuring there’s a balance between tasks and fun.
As the sun sets, unwinding with quieter activities, like a warm bath and story time, can signal it’s time to wind down for rest.
By carving out these moments for various activities and rest, we’ll guide our kids through the day but also give them playtime and downtime.
Remember, it’s about finding that perfect blend that works for your family because, after all, no one knows your little stars quite like you do!
What chores can kids under 5 do?
Even young kids can start doing chores as an early lesson in responsibility.
Simple tasks like putting away toys, filling the pet’s food dish, and cleaning up spills are just a few examples of chores suitable for this age group.
In fact, chores can be a great way for young kids to develop their motor skills, coordination, strength, and cognitive skills, as well as helping children identify their abilities and responsibilities.
Plus, they also get a sense of purpose and routine from doing everyday activities and keeping their life organized.
How do I keep my kids on track with a schedule?
Using visual chore charts can be a wonderful way to help kids stay on track with their schedules.
These routine charts offer a clear visual guide to their tasks, making it easier for them to understand and follow through.
And by incorporating positive reinforcement, we can encourage children to stick to their routines.
Recognizing their strengths, showcasing their positive traits and interests, and rewarding good behavior can all contribute to keeping them engaged and excited about following a structured routine.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, a Kids Daily Routine Chart could really make a difference in your child’s life! It gives a clear and organized structure to their summer routine, making them feel secure and confident.
By including a mix of activities like chores for kids, learning projects, and mindfulness exercises, you not only ensure a well-rounded day but also support their overall growth.
And remember, the key is to make these routines enjoyable and rewarding for your child!
Ready to transform your child’s day with a daily routine chart?
