How to Develop a Child's Daily Routine

Developing a daily routine helps children to feel safe and secure. A simple routine helps make the day run more smoothly. The day's events can easily be broken into sections and you can implement a new daily routine to help improve your child's behavior.

• 1

  Wake up before your child gets up and while she is still sleeping, set-up for the day's activities. Prepare an art project. Straighten-up any toys, clothing and other household items.

• 2

  Wake your child up slowly. Play some soft music, pull up the blinds and turn on the lights. Help your child to use the bathroom and to get dressed. Talk to your child about some of the activities that will take place during the day. For example, talk about the craft project or discuss the outing at the park

• 3

  Sit next to your child during the craft project. Have all craft supplies within reach. Explain what it is you are making. Interact with your child during the activity. For example, if you are making paper plate animals, talk about the sounds that each animal makes.

• 4

  Monitor your child's free play activities after the craft project. Set out some of his favorite toys. Allow him time to play while cleaning up the craft supplies from the project.

• 5

  Discuss during lunch what will happen after lunch. Provide quiet and restful activities, such as reading books. If your child is under age 4, a nap time from 1 to 3 p.m. may be needed. After a rest, encourage your child to use the bathroom. Offer a snack. In the afternoon, plan a local outing to a museum or to a park. The excitement and stimulation from the day's events will help your child to sleep better later.

• 6

  Prepare quiet activities for the end of the day. For example, leave out books or turn on an educational DVD. Pick a set nightly time for bedtime. Help your child to choose two books you will read. After turning out the lights, play soft music. Let your child know that sleeping is important and you will see her in the morning.