How To Manage Children's Behaviour With Daily Routine Charts
Kids need routines.
It helps them feel secure and know what to expect in their day.
Routines also help with behaviour - kids who know what to expect are less likely to act out.
Creating a daily routine chart can be a great way to help your child stay on track, and make sure they're getting everything done that they need to.
Here's how to set one up for your family.
Why Do Children Need A Daily Routine Chart?
Children’s Daily Routine Chart Template (Printable)
Parents Often Wonder-
Why do children need a daily routine or even a routine chart?
Why can they just not do what is required of them?
Why is my child so emotionally unsettled all the time?
Why do I have to deal with tantrums every time I ask my child to do something?
Why am I absolutely exhausted?
When can I start getting some ‘Me Time’ or ‘Couple time’?
If you are a parent facing similar whys or feelings, then hang around because I have a solution for you.
What is a Routine?
A routine allows us to understand our day and helps us mentally prepare or organize ourselves for the next event of the day.
Think about this; we often make lists of things to do in order of priority or make notes on our calendar for important events. When we go for a meeting or workshop, we like to have a timetable or the schedule for the day.
Why?
Because it helps us stay on track. So we know what is expected of us, or what to expect next.
We all know the feeling of forgetting important dates or the necessary ingredient for tonight’s dinner. It can be stressful because now the events for the rest of the remaining day, may not go according to plan.
Sometimes the feeling of everything spiralling out of control can be quite overwhelming and can affect how we respond to others verbally, emotionally, and physically.
We use written words, (lists, notes, agenda for the day, planners etc.) as visual reminders. It helps us organize our thoughts and structure our day.
Why is Children’s Daily Routine Important?
A Routine helps us organise our day.
Just like adults, children need a way to structure their day. Knowing what is going to happen next, helps children mentally prepare themselves for the next event of the day.
Young children are not proficient at reading words. Therefore, pictures help them determine what to do next
When children know what is going to happen next, they feel more in control because now they can manage their feeling and actions accordingly.
For example,
Your child might not like brushing their teeth but the picture on the routine chart is telling them they can watch T.V after they brush their teeth. Now they will be willing to get brushing their teeth out of the way, as they are already anticipating the next event of the day; watching T.V.
When children can visually see how many things they need to do before it is outside playtime, it helps them understand that they will be going outside soon or when they have finished doing this or that.
Can you see how it reduces the chances of anxiety, tantrums, or meltdowns? Negotiating becomes easier and fighting over getting things done is reduced.
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How Does Children’s Daily Routine Benefit Kids?
Okay, so now we know
That a visual routine helps children understand what to expect next.
With some initial support, children will eventually begin to independently anticipate and prepare for the next event of the day.
Because children now know what to expect next, there will be a less unexpected interruption in their play or activities during the day
And because now children will be doing what they are expected to do without you nagging or stressing, everyone will be happier (fingers crossed).
A Routine helps children develop healthy habits for eating, resting and toileting, which is essential for healthy emotional and physical growth.
Routines help children become more thoughtful in their actions, responsible and independent.
How Will A Children’s Routine Benefit Parents?
Well, I think it is fair to say, “Happy Children= Happy Life.”
How Does a Children’s Daily Routine Chart Benefit Parents
With children understanding the routine, they will slowly begin to become more independent in getting ready for the next event of the day, saving you doing from giving constant reminders(nagging) or doing everything for them.
You will be able to use the activities your child loves as leverage.
For example, using the routine chart to point out to your child, “ When you finish your bath, we can read your favourite book for bedtime.”
The routine chart will also help you stay on track of what your child will be doing next and help you structure your day to fit in that special activity time with your child. E.g. finish cooking dinner by your child’s bath time so you can read a story together.
A routine chart will help other family members (e.g. your partner) stay on track and help with routines with your child.
You will worry or stress less when your child develops good habits for eating, resting, and going to the toilet as part of the routine.
When things go according to plan for your child, it keeps them calm and happy. A calm and happy child means a peaceful home environment. (Eliminates yelling and stress)
Wouldn’t you be a proud parent to see your child become more independent, responsible, and better behaved.
Children developing a timely bedtime habit, means more quality 'couple time' or ‘me time', which is vital for happy and healthy family life.
Where Can I Get a Children’s Routine Chart That Works for My Family?
If you are looking for an inexpensive way and willing to do some simple print, cut and paste yourself, you can simply download this template.
The Children's Daily Routine Chart Template has loads of different pictures for simple children’s chores as well as for their daily routine and you can pick the ones that work best for you.
I like to laminate my pictures for durability. Here is a very inexpensive laminator that I use. Best of all comes with 10 Free Laminating pouches
Once, I have cut and laminated the pieces, I attach magnetic strips on the back of each piece. You can generally find these in the stationery aisles or get one from here.
Now, you are ready to make the routine board.
I use this fridge magnetic board, simply because it is inexpensive, and I can easily stick it to my fridge from where it is visible to everyone. (I don’t like sticking things to my wall because it ruins the walls)
But best of all it comes in a 2 pack which means it can stick them together(or not) to make it into a bigger board if I wish.
Don’t forget to add Velcro dots to the board to stick your laminated routine pieces.
Let’s Recap
Routine is important for adults, but it is especially important for children’s self-regulation and wellbeing.
Introducing a daily routine chart will require some effort and consistency for it to work effectively. So, don’t give up too quickly!
It is important that you and your child both construct the routine chart together. This will help your child understand its purpose and because your child helped you, they will be more willing to participate in this exercise.
It is important that you explain to your child what the pictures on the daily routine chart mean and I know (sigh) that children may forget to refer to it or rebel following the routine.
Therefore, it is important to sequence activities in such a way that children will be willing to do ‘must do’ chores to get to the reward activity.
E.g., eat breakfast, brush teeth, change clothes and then playtime.
Routines must always be used as a guide for structuring the day and never as a rigid rule.
If you need genuine help in managing your child’s behavior or to get your kids to listen without yelling, nagging or losing control, try this FREE CLASS.
