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Home » Routines & Schedules » The Benefits Of Routines For Kids Are Undeniable & Backed By Research

The Benefits Of Routines For Kids Are Undeniable & Backed By Research

Updated December 13, 2020

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Want simple chaos-erasing family routines? Who doesn't? Check out our Family Routines Reboot!

Want simple chaos-erasing family routines? Who doesn't? Check out our Family Routines Reboot!

There are so many benefits of routines for kids that it’s hard to fit them all in. Routines are good for moods, attitudes, order, and more!


I have learned a few things from experience…

When it comes to mothering, there is a “routine” mindset and a “go with the flow” mindset.

You probably don’t have to guess which type of mindset I am… especially with my Type A personality.

I believe the reason that so many people seem against routine is that they believe us Type A-ers value the routine just because they like a routine.

Mom is happy with two small kids because of routines for kids.

Routine Vrs. Stuck in a Rut

It may look to people with no routine that routine followers are slaves to the routine, as opposed to the routine serving us.

I read a quote somewhere to the effect of “you don’t live for the routine, it’s what helps you get through the day.”

That’s how I view routine. Routine is a mechanism for helping me survive the day with some semblance of order.

Imagine this…

If you run a red light, you get a ticket. Not because the police just really love red lights. How dare you offend one? That isn’t the case at all…

But, since the practice of running red lights is dangerous, there is a rule in place to prevent you from endangering yourself and others.

It isn’t that we have a schedule for the sake of the schedule. We have a schedule because – for our family – it is dangerous to do without.

By dangerous I mean that I get moody, impatient, irritable without a routine and so do the kids.

Want to know how a routine brings sanity?

5 Top Benefits of Routines

Now that we’ve established that having routines is not just helpful for people who enjoy them, let’s discuss the real benefits.

Mom is pouring coffee on the table because she has not experienced the benefits of routines.

We’ve all been the mom in the picture above… it’s time to talk about the benefits of routines.

Below you will find the top 5 benefits of routines, some real life stories, and examples of how to implement routine in your own home.

1. You can schedule what needs to happen.

When you are home with children there is always a lot to be done… eating, cleaning up, diapers, potty breaks, activities, cleaning,  chores, not to mention fun things.

While there is no way to get everything done all the time, having a schedule means that you plot in your necessary activities in an achievable and feasible way!

You’ll love the peace of mind that you get when you aren’t left with 1,356 things to do when you’ve finally – finally – got the kids into bed.

Read: A Foolproof Sample Daily Schedule For Toddlers

I’ve recently created printable signs (similar to these but with activities that fit our own home). They hang in almost every room of the house.

Kids are eating breakfast and dad is helping because of the benefits of routine.

My husband is able and kind enough to help with their breakfast routine (more on how to encourage your husband to effectively help here). Making life happen around a routine benefits us all because even if I’m not the one doing it, things still get done.

2. Kids can get so used to it they go on autopilot…sort of.

This summer we’ve been having the time of our lives in Florida… so I’ve let some our previous routines go. In exchange, we’ve adopted a new and temporary one…. which is totally fine.

When we return to our “normal” lives in a few weeks things will change again. However, no matter where we are, when a routine is in effect… kids just pretty much do what comes next.

Furthermore, even when they may not like it… they accept the routine. In fact, particularly when they may not like it, it becomes nature and accepted for them.

Printable routine cards here

Real Life Truths About Routines

  • If your child isn’t terribly fond of nap time, but they know that they’re going to have it anyway…they are able to prepare themselves since they know it’s coming.
  • If it is routine in your family to finish your plate before getting up from the table, kids don’t expect any different. So, they don’t fuss or gripe about their situation.
  • If it is routine for your kids to “catch a bubble” when your phone rings… there’s no trouble when it comes to catching your phone call. My kids actually police each other on this one.

For almost every activity we do in our normal routine the kids just follow my lead easily. Now, this doesn’t mean they’re always happy about it. They are, in fact, children.

But, I’ve found it is much easier to fit everything in and transition from activity to activity when they know what is next.

Mom is throwing in the towel for her day because she isn't experiencing the benefits of routines.

3. When you are at the end of your creativity and spunk, you can rely on your established routine.

Some days by 9:00 AM I am already ready to be relieved of duty…

This is true even though we don’t even get up until 7:30 AM!

On those days when I think I may not survive, the routine is actually what helps me survive. I don’t have to “think” of something fun to do. My routine is a fail safe… that works every time!

Even better, I don’t have to shove them in front of the TV for 5 hours just to pass the time.

I can decide to scrap the routine and take a field trip if I want just to liven things up. But… if I am not up to a trip, then I can just float through the day on the routine while still accomplishing things.

Also, children pick up on our moods. Having an established routine helps to keep things in order when various circumstances and situations can try to bring chaos.

4. You know what time of the day works best for extras.

Let me explain….

I love knowing what times of day are best for appointments, outings and activities. Because we follow a routine, I can normally say between 12:30 and 4:30 we are out of commission.

The older kids are both sleeping, I’m resting or working and my youngest is either feeding or sleeping himself.

If we absolutely had to skip a nap we could, but I know that my children are used to sleep and can tend to get cranky if they skip it.

Now, if they skipped it to go to Disney World, they’d cope. If they skipped it to go to a play date, they would end up whining instead of playing.

I can make appointments in time slots that are convenient for me, and I know that just because we take a 30 minute car ride, it doesn’t mean that is their nap for the day.

The benefits of routines are just that… knowing when things are supposed to happen and giving your kids the added benefit of security and reliance.

Take this tip… if kids have regular naps, they shouldn’t fall asleep every time they’re in the car (unless they’re in the car during nap time).

Listen ladies, I do not relinquish a 3 hour nap slot to a 30 minute car ride. You shouldn’t either!

5. Kids respond well to consistency and order.

Last… but not least! Also, very important… children actually thrive on routine!

From my experience, a little bit of fun spontaneity is a good thing, but day after day of unending spontaneity (aka, lack of planning) creates an atmosphere that lacks stability.

Kid is lacking stability, a benefits of routines.

Now, that could be that I am the one who perceives the lack of stability and order. That is probably true. However, I’m the mom and if I feel our house isn’t in working order then it all goes downhill.

My children are generally well-behaved, compliant and happy, and I believe this is due in large part to our routine.

If we never deviated from our routine we’d be stifled. If we deviated so much we never had one we’d be overwhelmed. Again, balance is key.

Our Routine…

  • Our routine doesn’t stop us from having fun and going places and seeing the world.
  • It simply helps us survive 90% of our days which are at home.
  • Routine helps us get things done and have a house that isn’t imploding or exploding.
  • It helps us feel still – even just a little bit – connected to the old us that was able to get things done just because they were on a list. (I don’t know about you, but sometimes I miss that!)

I’ve created a free email series just for you! If you struggle with creating an easy flowing routine or rhythm in your home… this is it. I’ve gathered all my easiest routine hacks into one free series and, best of all, you can get a big sneak peak into our book that has over 25+ routines for babies ages 6 weeks to 5 years. This series will help you:

  • find a routine and rhythm for your child
  • learn how to juggle multiple routines (for 2 or 3+ kids)
  • know what is and isn’t working so you can make one tweak that’ll change your day

Click here to sign up for my free email series or simply click on the image below.

Routines Funnel Opt In With Free

Rachel

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Filed Under: Routines & Schedules7

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I'm Rachel, mother of 5 young kids living in the Florida panhandle with my Australian husband. I write about family culture, family rhythms and routines, and boundaries in motherhood and life. You can see snippets of my daily life here and visit my shop for baby sleep, organizing, and routine help.

“Inside my brain”

Geeezzz, it was like you were inside my brain today!  (and most days recently)  I needed this badly.

Thank you!!!
Andrea P.

“Nothing was working…”

I just wanted to say thank you for your easy peasy routine for 2 year olds! I day-weaned my 2 year old a month ago and have been trying everything to get him to go down for a nap without the nursing. Nothing was working and I was starting to think he would never have a nap again.

Anyways I started following your routine and we just sat in bed and had what I told him was “quiet time.” We sat and read and made a fort and had warm milk. Then today I told him it was quiet time again and he tried to escape the bed a couple times, but in the end he snuggled up after the warm bottle and fell asleep for 3 hours! I was almost in tears I was so excited! So thank you!

Meghan

“Thanks for your bundle!”

Thanks for for doing this Everyday Mom Super Bundle sale. I’m four months into my parenthood journey with a sweet and spirited boy.

I was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated just yesterday, thinking if only I had the right resources and “trail guides” I could figure this all out. Your sale is serendipitous. I can’t wait to dig into my download materials and start learning from your tips.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

Lauren N.

“It’s a breath of fresh air”

I just wanted to let you know that your blog and emails have been a tremendous help to me. Your practical, honest, and humble writing is a breath of fresh air!

With help and encouragement drawn from your writing, I have made some incredible changes in the order (and sanity) of our home, in just the past few weeks. My kids are doing chores daily, and I also have clearer expectations of myself.

My husband is in awe!

Which helps reinforce what you said- the problem wasn’t me; it was my systems. Our home is in much better order, and so is my mind. So, thank you!!!! You have made a difference for me and my family.

Ann S.

“We are slowly getting back to normal…”

I stumbled upon your blog one morning after praying night after night for God to fix my home! I had just had a baby this May 1st and also have a 2 and 4 year old and my home broke out in complete chaos!

Even my marriage seemed like it was on the brink of extinction and this had happened in 2 weeks! I read numerous amounts of your entries and applied them to my home life and I am happy to say we are slowly getting back to normal. Thank you Rachel! 

Madison S.

“You’ve been a life saver!”

I’m a first time mom to a 15 day old baby girl. I had no idea what I was doing and couldn’t get her to sleep in her crib until I found your blog.

You’ve been a life saver!

Candace R.

“Within a week or two our little girl changed!”

I tumbled into post partum depression/anxiety and didn’t know what to do anymore. I was a mess, baby girl was a mess and I don’t even know how my husband was dealing with it all… 

I googled everything I could think about but there was never really something that felt right, that felt genuine instead of just telling do’s and don’ts. 

And then I found your website and read your pieces about sleeping and eating. I carefully read through your schedules and decided to try it.

IT WORKED!! 

And within a week or two our little girl changed from a frustrated baby into this happy dappy smiling ray of sunshine, that is able to settle herself down by sucking on her fists, even in the middle of the night. At 12 weeks baby girl slept through the night and now at 20 weeks old she sleeps a good 10 to 12 hours every night. 

I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience online. The way you wrote your experiences made it understandable, seeing it from the babys side but also the moms side. Maybe we were lucky that your way fitted our baby, but it worked and I tell it to everyone that wants to know!

Stephanie P.

“Had tremendous success from Day One!”

I just wanted to thank you for your sample routine.  I’ve been using it for a week with my 13 month old and had tremendous success from day 2! Wind down time is so important and so is consistency.  Thank you so much!!!

Sam M.

“In a few short days…”

I am grateful to have found your blog, as I do a great deal of searching on Pinterest when I am up against a parenting moment that I do not feel qualified to handle.

I will say though that since reading your blog I am really focusing on remembering that every moment is a learning \ experience for my son and I try to take a breath and count to ten. In the few short days that I have been exercising this method I truly have noticed a change for the better in his response to me.

Tami K.

Comments

  1. Andrea says

    I love this post! You are such an inspiration.

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      Thank you, Andrea! I put you on my blogroll, you are too hiker mama :)

      Reply
  2. Laura says

    Thanks so much for linking up to my morning routine printable! I appreciate it. :)

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      No problem at all, it is super helpful so I was glad to do it :)

      Reply
  3. 6 kids and then some says

    Loneliness is my type A failing and your post is an all cure for the things I can struggle with daily!…. thank you so much for this!…

    Reply
    • Rachel Norman says

      I am struggling right there with you~

      Reply
  4. jess says

    I love this! Thank you so much

    Reply

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Hey y'all, I'm Rachel Norman, BA, MS, Language of Listening® parenting coach, mother to 5 babies in 5 years on 3 continents, no multiples. Join me in parenting without losing your mind. Read More >>

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