If you are anything like me, you’re not a big fan of your own handwriting. No laminator? Use stickers or colorful pens to check off tasks.

(I use this inexpensive laminator all the time!) And use a dry erase marker to check off tasks.

This is how you create the muscle memory and things become automatic. Routines are most effective when done in the same order every time. Write routines in the order you want them done.Focus on the major tasks/skills you want your child to master.Resist the urge to overwhelm and create a complicated schedule with EVERYTHING. Wondering what chores your kid should be doing? Check out Age-Appropriate Chores for Kids.Īdditionally, here are some ideas for what you may want to have in your child’s evening routine:Ĭonsider the following when filling out your kid’s daily routine chart template: Here are some ideas for what you may want to have in your child’s morning routine: On the righthand side, there are boxes that the child can check off the task each day. (And whether your home looks like a tornado ran through it.) Morning is an important time of day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.Īnd the evening routine determines the kind of mood everyone is in come bedtime. They provide important bookends for our day. While routines are great anytime, mornings and evening are especially important. This kid’s routine chart is divided into a “Morning Routine” section and and “Evening Routine” section. Which is why this daily routine chart is set up as a checklist!īy the way, if you have a child that isn’t yet reading, I have a picture routine chart for toddlers and preschool age children. Just like when I get to cross stuff off my to-do list, my kids get a jolt of satisfaction when they get to check something off their list. I am constantly amazed at how much easier it is for my kids to follow through with a list of tasks that are written down versus just given verbally.Īs clear as we think we’re being when we tell our kids what to do, writing down what we want them to do makes it much easier for kids to understand (and remember) those expectations.Īnd you know what I’ve also found? Kids love to check off tasks when they’re done. But I’ve found that using routine charts (and chore charts) dramatically reduces how much I have to do that.īecause they make it easier for kids to understand the expectations and actually follow through.įor me, routine charts are a handy communication tool between me and my kids. I remind my kids plenty during the day–that’s parenting. Which is why I LOVE routine charts.īecause they mean I don’t have to constantly remind my children to do what they’re supposed to everyday.ĭon’t get me wrong. Personally, I hate nagging my kids (despite what they think).

But using routine charts–like this daily routine chart template–makes the process much easier. Unfortunately, in the chaos of parenthood, building great routines doesn’t always come naturally. And as a parent, routines mean more gets done with less nagging. Kids thrive when they have routines and schedules they can rely on. Building great routines is a key part of creating an organized home.

Editable daily schedule template free