Schedules, Routines, and Your Preschooler

“How did you get my kid to take a nap! She/He hasn’t napped at home since they were 2!”

“How do you manage to keep all the kids in the same place?”

“How do you do it?!”

I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I’ve been asked these very same questions over the years. And my answer is always the same:

“The kids know our schedule and routine. So they know what comes next in our day and what is expected of them.”

Keeping to a schedule and having a routine is important to your little one. But, why?

Consistency gives kids a sense of security.

When children know what to expect in their typical day they feel a sense calm and security.

 

Schedules help build trust between children and their teachers.

Younger children begin to understand that the adults in their lives will take care of their needs on a regular basis.

 

Inconsistency creates anxiety for many children.

When there are too many unknowns happening for the child, it can create anxiety. For example, they may cry or become irritable.

 

Allow for some flexibility within the day.

Schedules should also be somewhat flexible. The times may fluctuate a little throughout the day, and that’s perfectly fine. However, I do recommend keeping to a strict meal/nap schedule. (Hangry and tired children are never a good thing!)

 

Parents should be as consistent as possible when children are at home.

Parents are busy at home, and I get it! However, even having just a simple schedule and routine for your child will make them feel amazing!