How to Implement a Simple Daily Schedule for Kids
It’s common knowledge that kids thrive on routine. That’s especially true for children with special learning needs, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Multiple studies have shown that following a fixed routine can foster positive psychosocial development among children. It also minimizes performance anxieties, as your little ones are able to anticipate their duties as opposed to being bombarded by daunting assignments on a short notice.
However, creating a schedule that works best for kids can prove challenging, especially for new parents. If you’re a first-time mom or dad wondering how to keep your little ones engaged throughout the day, this article is for you.
Read below for a comprehensive guide to implementing a simple daily schedule for kids.
1. Establish a Family Hierarchy
Despite sustained clamors for equity and equality among the woke generations, one thing is for sure: certain individuals will always hold special ranks within the family unit.
While planning a daily schedule for kids, it’s prudent to start by defining the family’s hierarchical order.
Draft a clear reporting structure so your little ones understand whom the buck stops with. In most settings, the mom and dad are jointly the ultimate decision-makers.
For large extended families, uncles and aunts would occupy the second position. Next in line are the children in chronological birth order.
2. Know What Your Kids Struggle with the Most
Routines are meant to be followed more than ritualistically. Instead, they should serve a specific endgame.
Below are examples of objectives you may achieve by implementing a daily routine for your kids;
- Maintaining personal hygiene and general sanitation
- Encouraging group activities for better social cohesion
- Getting homework completed before dinner
- Getting younger children to nap more during the day
- Serving meals at specific times
Whichever goal you wish to accomplish, communicate it clearly so everyone is on the same page. Using numbers and less abstract terms while clarifying your to-do lists is also important.
For instance, don’t just ask your kids to “clean the house.” Instead, mention the specific chores – doing the dishes, mopping the floor, watering the houseplants, etc.
3. Brainstorm as a Family
Due to the demands of your occupation, you may realize that you lead a traveler’s lifestyle where you only pop up in your home haphazardly.
In that case, you might not fully grasp the challenges your kids mostly contend with.
It’s impossible to create an effective daily routine for your children without a proper diagnosis of their problems. Your best bet would be to schedule a family brainstorming session.
In these open fora, family members can freely ventilate on their most pressing needs. You can then draft a framework that addresses most (if not) all the cited challenges.
4. Balance Between Structure and Flexibility
A daily routine for kids should be implemented with their needs in mind. Therefore, it’s important to leave a little wiggle room for each activity in case your child falls behind with their assignments for whatever reason.
It’s okay to have your children wake up, have breakfast, or go to bed at specific times every day. But as you designate such timings, remember that things won’t always go as planned.
On certain days, dinner may be served later than you anticipated. That means your kids would go to bed unusually late, which may impact their performance on the subsequent day.
Flexibility also pertains to the fun activities you incorporate into your child’s daily routine. Match every hour of household chores with 15 – 45 minutes of an exciting pastime, depending on your child’s age and interests.
5. Take It a Day at a Time
Days of the week present unique sets of challenges, each of which requires specific solutions.
Monday mornings are almost synonymous with tantrums. As a parent with school-going kids, expect all kinds of outbursts before seeing your little ones off to the school bus. Many preschool kids will also fuss whenever their parents prepare for work.
On such challenging days, you could have your kids wake up earlier than usual to compensate for the time wasted dallying around.
The prevailing weather may also dictate how you plan out a daily routine for your kids. For instance, you’ll want to limit outdoor activities during frigid conditions to minimize the risks of cold-related illnesses.
6. Patience Is a Virtue
It’s undeniably true that kids thrive on routine. But what’s equally factual is that children take days to settle into a new routine. So, it’s imperative to take things slow.
First, conduct a week-long “trial run” to assess your child’s receptiveness to the new order. Expect some resistance as the child tries to adapt to an unfamiliar schedule.
During the trial period, you may tweak the program based on genuine feedback and your assessment of the situation. Just be cautious to avoid making too many concessions.
If everything eventually works out, don’t forget to encourage good behavior with positive reinforcements. The reward can range from a simple pat on the back to something more elaborate, such as a toy or vacation. However, ensure the award stands out as a solid prize for a specific accomplishment rather than merely an indulgence.
Final Word
Creating a daily schedule for your little ones can foster a sense of responsibility, reduce situational anxieties, and enhance your child’s overall wellbeing. If diligently implemented, a daily routine may also help your child manage their expectations and develop invaluable life skills.
