Perhaps now more than ever, it is so important to maintain a routine for your child. Children thrive on routines. Following a predictable routine is a helpful way for children to feel safe and know what is expected of them (e.g. washing hands before breakfast, reading a book before nap, or taking a bath or shower before bed). Routines help you and your child move confidently through the day and encourage positive behavior. At the same time, be flexible and responsive to your children’s needs. You know your child best! Find a balance of routines and flexibility that works for your family.
Below is a sample daily schedule for you to follow. Whether or not you follow this one, please try to keep a daily routine that works for you and your family so everyone knows what to expect.
Routines can also be challenging! This Routine Based Support Guide for families gives helpful tips for navigating any daily routine with young children:
Below, you will find three helpful articles about implementing successful routines and schedules at home from The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations (NCPMI).
The goals of NCPMI are to assist states and programs in their implementation of sustainable systems for the implementation of the Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children (Pyramid Model) within early intervention and early education programs with a focus on promoting the social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of young children birth to five.
The Backpack Connection Series was created by the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) to provide a way for teachers and parents/caregivers to work together to help young children develop social emotional skills and reduce challenging behavior.
Successful Mornings
Successful Bedtimes
Planning Activities
The March calendar below is not the correct year, but you can still get some good ideas! :)