Routines do more than keep the day moving—they help build your child’s mental health from the inside out. Studies show that young children with regular, predictable routines at home are better at managing their emotions and behavior. This is called self-regulation, and it’s a life skill that develops over time, just like learning to read or tie shoes.
When children know what to expect and feel supported, they can handle life’s little stressors—like changes in plans or new challenges—without getting overwhelmed. Simple routines like a regular bedtime or family dinner give children an anchor: something steady they can count on.
But not all routines are created equal. The most powerful ones are both predictable and accessible. That means your child knows when and how they’ll happen (like always reading before bed), and they can take part in them in meaningful ways (like picking the book or helping set the table). These small acts build independence and a sense of belonging.
There’s also something special called a ritual—a routine with heart. Rituals carry emotion and connection. Think Taco Tuesdays, bedtime prayers, or weekend pancakes. They don’t just help the day go smoothly—they help your child feel rooted in your family’s love and identity, which research shows is especially important during stressful times.
Why This Matters
In uncertain times, children crave stability. Routines give them a sense of security, while rituals remind them they are part of something bigger—a family that cares for them. These small daily rhythms help children feel safe, loved, and ready to grow, no matter what’s going on in the world around them.
Try This at Home
1. Create simple anchors in the day.
Pick one or two daily routines—like breakfast or bedtime—and make them predictable and calm. You don’t need a full-day schedule. Just a few steady moments can give your child the structure they need.
2. Start a new family ritual.
It doesn’t have to be fancy! Try a weekly pizza night, Friday dance party, or bedtime “highs and lows” chat. What matters is consistency and connection.
3. Be a steady presence.
You don’t have to be perfect. Just try to be emotionally predictable—show your feelings, but also model how you manage them. Kids learn so much just by watching you take a deep breath or go for a walk when you're stressed.
4. Use a “morning meeting” instead of a strict schedule.
Talk with your child each morning about what the day will look like. Choose 2–3 key activities or goals. This keeps things flexible, but still gives your child a sense of what’s coming.
“Only the family, society’s smallest unit, can change and yet maintain enough continuity to rear children who will not be ‘strangers in a strange land.’”
—Salvador Minuchin, family therapist
Every family can build routines that soothe, teach, and connect. Even small moments of consistency can make a big difference in your child’s ability to feel secure—and to grow with confidence in a world that’s always changing.
Source: Zero to Thrive. “Routines for Kids.” University of Michigan, https://zerotothrive.org/routines-for-kids/. Accessed [May 20, 2025].