Benefits of a routine for your family and tips to stick to it

3-minute read

Think back to March 2020 when our world was upended by COVID-19 and lockdowns. Kids stopped going to school every day, activities outside the home were suspended, and many parents were furloughed or worked from home. The daily routines we had established — even if they weren't overly structured — became obsolete, and the benefits of a routine for the new normal were obvious as mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression, increased in parents and kids.

When families have predictable, familiar routines, even if those routines are as simple as going to school at the same time every day or eating dinner together, everyone benefits.

Establishing healthy habits for younger children

Kids benefit from a routine that includes a familiar environment, consistent caregivers, and planned events. For example, kids might expect to wake up at a set time, get dressed, eat breakfast, and go to school or daycare, and those interactions make their morning routines more comfortable and less chaotic. At night, kids with a routine can count on eating dinner, playing a game or watching a television show, and then brushing their teeth before going to bed at the same time each night.

Even when they're as young as toddler age, kids understand and follow these routines, and these structured activities give children a sense of stability and security. Kids feel empowered to participate in the activities and, over time, they'll take on parts of the tasks without being reminded. For example, kids could eventually start getting dressed or washing their hands before dinner — without being reminded — just because they understand these good habits are expected.

Maintaining connections with family routines for teens

As kids get older, routines take on new importance. Your teen will have additional responsibilities, such as after-school activities, homework, and possibly a job, and having a routine at home helps them stay organized and connected. Because they can count on consistency and predictability within their routines, they're better set up for future success.

A study of teens ages 16 to 21 found those who had more family routines during adolescence, including family dinners, household chores, and a consistent bedtime, reported better emotional self-regulation, lower rates of alcohol use during young adulthood, and higher rates of college enrollment.

Creating a routine that works for your family

Family routines can help manage day-to-day life more efficiently, creating more free time, decreasing stress levels, and improving organization. Setting aside time for family routines can also keep parents connected to their loved ones, no matter how busy everyone's schedules get.

Try anchoring your family schedule around some of these daily routines and healthy habits.

In the morning: Get organized the night before to reduce morning chaos and stress. Make sure homework is finished and packed in backpacks and lay out the next day's clothing. Children should eat an easy-to-fix healthy breakfast, and parents should hug their kids goodbye before they leave the house or get out of the car — even days when you're short on time.

After school: When kids come home from school — whether or not a parent is home — their routine can include getting a snack, working on homework, or doing chores.

In the evening: Evening routines often center around a family dinner. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends eating together at a table without being distracted by television or phones. Talk together as a family and discuss the good and bad parts of your day.

At bedtime: It's critical for kids to have a consistent bedtime on school nights. Ease younger kids into sleep with a routine that includes showering or bathing, brushing teeth, reading together, and telling stories.

Tips for new routine success

It's tempting to try to change many routines at once. However, you're more likely to reap the psychological benefits, reduce stress, and be successful if you focus on one or two routines at a time.

Be as specific as possible when creating a routine. Think through what it'll look like in your daily life. Well-thought-out routines are:

Ongoing. Whether daily, weekly, or monthly, routines happen regularly over a long period.
Planned. The roles, responsibilities, and steps in the routine are clear and consistent.
Predictable. Everyone involved knows what to expect. The routine happens in the same order every time.

Sticking with the routine long term

Be kind to yourself and your family members when following routines. Even when a routine is well-established, no one is perfect. Still, it should work smoothly most of the time.

Track progress with a habit-tracking app, paper calendar, or sticker chart. If you or your child are struggling to follow a routine, try using a checklist or visual schedule to stay on track or ask a family member or friend for support. Remember to celebrate progress, offer praise, and recognize what's working well along the way.

Although routines often last months or years, they aren't set in stone. You might need to adjust routines as your children grow or if you have a significant life change. Review your routines from time to time. If something isn't working, establish a new routine.

Talk with a Reid Health pediatrician for more tips on establishing healthy routines for your children and family.