Routines are part of our daily life, whether we realize it or not. Making them work for us and our families can improve kids’ health and emotional development in BIG ways.
Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast, going to work or school, running errands like grocery shopping, or watching a TV show before bed to unwind – there’s lots of little ways we build routines into our daily life. For kids, this series of small actions is more than just “maintenance activities.” The everyday repetition found in routines can provide comfort and stability to young children who thrive on consistency. It also teaches good hygiene and safety habits that last a lifetime.
Whether it’s household chores or a simple greeting when we see a friend, different types of routines offer the opportunity to build up kids’ confidence, social skills, and instills in them a sense of personal responsibility. For adults, it can also help ensure smoother transitions between activities by making children feel sure of what comes next. When there’s less stress involved in the day-to-day everyone benefits.
Check out tips and tools to help establish positive, fun routines with your family using the videos, activities, and more below.
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The Importance of Everyday Routines
The Power of Routines
Grades PreK-K
Consistent routines make transitions easier, help toddles learn self-control and guide positive behavior. Learn about the role routines play in young children’s development.
Bathtime | Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
Grades PreK-K
Help kids understand that hygiene is essential in taking good care of their bodies with this bubble bath bedtime routine from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Following a Bedtime Routine | Rosie’s Rules
Grades PreK-2
Doing things in the right order (a routine) can help achieve a goal. Rosie realizes that to take Iggy to bed she has to follow a routine, and that it is important to follow the right order to complete the routine.
Cleaning up Activity | Mister Chris and Friends: Short Videos about Routine
Grades PreK-2
Calling all big, big helpers! Mister Chris needs help cleaning up the barn studio. To get us excited about cleaning up, Mister Chris sings a joyful song as we find homes for various items in the barn studio. Join Mister Chris and Elephant to clean up the barn studio! How do you make cleaning up playful at home?
Operation: Rise and Shine | Lyla in the Loop
Grades K-2
In the “Operation: Rise and Shine” episode from the PBS KIDS show Lyla in the Loop, Lyla and her siblings are continually late for school. It’s not just due to one reason, but for reasons that are unique to each of them—their morning routine isn’t working. In order to be on time, they collaboratively “debug” their morning routines by identifying the points where each of them encounters problems, and brainstorm alternate approaches to address them.
Crafts, Activities & More
Practice SUPER Morning and Bedtime Routines
Grades PreK-K
Morning and bedtime transitions can be tough, especially for little ones! Distractions can keep them from accomplishing their morning tasks as they try to get ready for the day. And at the end of the day, it can be difficult to wind down and prepare for bed. These simple morning and bedtime routines will help you navigate those transitions, and set some systems in place that help your child accomplish their morning or evening tasks with ease.
Song Playlist | Transitions and Routines
Grades PreK-K
Use this playlist from the PBS KIDS show Elinor Wonders Why to build smooth transitions into your classroom routine. Adding music and movement to your classroom transitions make them quick, efficient, and fun for your little ones!
Healthy Habits | Sesame Street in Communities
Grades PreK-K
Using charts is a great way to help kids build healthy habits… and motivate them to continue! Print out these Tooth Brushing and My Healthy Week charts to encourage good hygiene habits that keep little ones healthy and strong.
6 Ways to Make Clean Up More Fun!
Grades PreK-3
Cleaning is an important part of life, but it can be fun, too! Here are games to play with your kids while cleaning up.
DIY Fun Time Spinners
Grades K-3
Sometimes parents need children to play quietly while they work or take a break. Create a Fun Time Spinner with activities your child can do alone. Make a second spinner filled with family-friendly activities you can do as a family after work or on the weekends.
For even more games and educational resources for young learners, go to the Creating Daily Routines for Kids collection on PBS KIDS for Parents.