Routine means doing things in a regular and predictable way. For example, a child may wake up at a similar time each day, have meals at regular times, go to school, play, and have time for relaxation. Routines are important because they help children feel safer and more in control. When children know what will happen next, their environment becomes more predictable and manageable. This is especially important for children who have experienced stress, trauma, loss, chaos, or unpredictable changes in caregiving, as predictable routines can provide stability during difficult transitions.
When a child experiences unpredictability, they may become more alert to possible danger. As a result, even an ordinary change in routine can sometimes feel threatening. The child’s body may respond through a fight response, such as becoming aggressive or angry; a flight response, such as escaping or avoiding; or a freeze response, such as becoming quiet, stuck, or unable to respond. This is why predictable routines can help children feel safer and support their ability to remain calm and open to learning.
Although it is important for children to have a routine in which they know what will happen next, the routine should not be overly strict. It should be consistent but flexible. If a routine becomes very rigid, the child may feel controlled rather than supported. The goal is not perfection; rather, the goal is to help the child feel comfortable enough to manage the changes that naturally happen in daily lifeRoutines offer several benefits. They can help a child feel safer, create a sense of belonging, and make regular family activities feel like something the family does together. Routines can also increase a child’s confidence, sense of responsibility, and time-management skills. They support healthy habits, such as regular sleep, hygiene, meals, study, and exercise. Routines may also help children understand when it is time to be active and when it is time to be calm. Using a calendar or timetable can support memory by helping the child remember what will happen and which activities they need to complete. Research has linked consistent routines with children’s emotional and behavioural regulation, self-regulation, and overall development.
Children should be allowed to take part in creating their routines. They can choose one goal, break it into smaller steps, and help decide when to practise it. Adults should not expect children to follow a routine automatically or immediately. Reminders such as pictures, checklists, and calendars can be useful. It is also important to praise the child’s efforts as they gradually learn to follow the routine.
