I was traveling on a month long summer vacation with my son not too long ago. Things were going pretty well considering we were frequently staying at different homes throughout the trip. I aim to keep a pretty consistent stay-at-home mom schedule for my son regardless if we are on the road or at home and have found that using a printable daily schedule for kids really helps with this.
This is after one too many times of pushing my toddler beyond his limits.
One day during our trip, a long time friend called and asked to get together for a visit. She wanted to take a day trip together to a water park with my 2 year old. It was an hour drive to get there, plus a full day at the park, followed by an hour drive back.
With the utmost enthusiasm she asked me what I thought, emphasizing that a day at the water park would be so much fun for all of us.
I thought about it. I’ve been in this situation before. I hesitated for a bit and politely declined. I said that I really wanted to but I was trying to keep my son on a consistent schedule and routine.
And then she asked the big question that I think is often wondered by many…
Do kids really need schedules and routines?
Well…the easy answer is that it depends.
It depends on whether you want my toddler running around like a wild horse in the middle of a forest OR you want him acting remotely civilized. Maybe I’m the only one with a crazy toddler, who tends to behave better when life is predictable, but probably not.
The case for routines and approximate schedules is now backed by both research and parenting experts. I’d love to go on long day trips, exotic excursions and enjoy late night parties. Believe me, my life was way more exciting before kids came along. But throwing my sons schedule and routine out of whack for a day of fun isn’t actually very fun at all and it doesn’t help me as I try hard to avoid yelling at kids all day.
I’ve let the routine go before.
This past spring, we had family visiting us in Japan. We were so excited for visitors and couldn’t wait to show them all the cool tourist sites around our area. After a mere few days of being out of a routine, my son was a child I did not even recognize.
His behavior was out of control. It was as if he turned into a possessed and angry demon. It took. my. breath. away.
The final straw was after a day trip to the castle ruins. We were on our way home and our son fell asleep in the back seat. The poor child was just exhausted after not getting enough sleep the past few days. Mid-way home the noise of heavy traffic woke him, and the downward spiral began.
He screamed and screamed himself into a fit of rage so strong he was about to make himself sick. And quite frankly, I was about to be sick myself. Sick over pushing him beyond what is reasonable for a young toddler.
Was trying to escape the schedule and routine all that helpful?
The case for schedules and routines with kids.
Approximate schedules and routines pretty much make the world of difference in our home, and actually make life with a toddler pretty simple and enjoyable.
Here are just a few positive things that come from routines and schedules:
- Kids know exactly what to expect.
- Kids cooperate more.
- Everyone gets better quality sleep.
- Everyone sleeps longer.
- Behavior is better.
- Parents can count on children acting more predictably.
- Kids feel more secure and confident.
- Kids are able to complete more tasks independently.
- Kids experience less stress.
- Repetition and predictability of routines fosters learning in children.
These 10 concepts are just the tip of the iceberg. Parenting experts and psychologists agree that routines and schedules make a dramatic difference in children’s everyday life.
Here is some research and recommendations to back it up:
1. “When potty sessions are treated as a part of the daily routine, kids learn to expect them without being nagged (Lekovic 2006).” Source.
2. “Routines are good. Routines are effective. Routines are adaptive. As a rule of thumb, most parents should use structured routines with their children. I could end this post right here. The research about routines is so strong that I feel comfortable breaking this blog’s policy of not providing clinical advice when saying that unless you have specific clinical reasons, most parents of infants and toddlers should use bedtime, mealtime, and other daily routines.” Source.
3. “There appears to be a developmental course to routines and rituals such that they may ease transitions (Fiese et al., 1993) and foster a sense of autonomy while still maintaining connections to the family as a whole. As family researchers, we are challenged to find ways to take into account the developing characteristics of the individual in the context of the larger group. We have found that the symbolic meaning ascribed to family rituals provides a window into how individuals form representations of the connections that keeps the group together.” Source.
4. “A multinational study suggests that having a regular bedtime routine is associated with better sleep in young children up to 6 years of age, and the positive impact on sleep increases with the consistency of the nightly routine.” Source.
5. “Your child may be 35% less likely to engage in disordered eating, 24% more likely to eat healthier foods and 12% less likely to be overweight (Hammons & Fiese, 2011). All three of these statistics are attached to one family ritual—shared mealtimes.” Source.
Ready to find a routine that works for your family?
I’ve written a book with my friend Rachel that has ideas for rhythms, routines and schedules that’ll help your children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. There are over 30 printables (all different routines you can print out) including tips for running your day and figuring out a routine with multiple children!
Click here to Get Started with Routines, Rhythms and Schedules!
Do you think kids need schedules and routines? Let’s chat in the comments!
I've created a free email series just for you! If you are struggling with finding a routine, rhythm or schedule, this email series will help you find one that will work for YOUR family. Yes, really. I've seen my sample routines work time and time again for parents. I know it can work for you too.
This free email series will help you:
- Free sample routines for your child
- Best morning routine tips and tricks your kids will actually follow
- All-time favorite parenting hacks for getting more cooperation at bedtime
- Step-by-step guide for using a printable daily schedule with kids
Jennifer
For our house, we need schedules! I even like to try to do the same schedule when we are traveling. Overall, I think each one of us does better when we are on schedules.
http://www.justamilitaryfamily.com
Joanne
But children can learn more if he can have a bit more exposure. We travel with our kid a lot and it is great experiences for both us the parents and our 2 yearish son.
Andrea
I agree that som kids work better with schedules, mine did not…
We did a lot of travel when they were between 1-4 years old, and they simply went on with that routine…
Yes they did scream sometimes, yes they did have meltdown like every two year old has sometimes.
But we ( parents) saw it as a natural way 2 years old act sometimes no matter how hard to try to avoid it.
Sometimes we set up schedules but I did not see a significant change in the kids behavior.
( and yes I would have declined a whole day waterpark excursion with my two year old as well, not because that we had schedules but because it would have been a sensory overload 🙂
Venessa Gopaul
I have a two year old. We’re not on a schedule. I ensure she gets daily play time, food and snacks (of course,) outdoor time, learning, and lots of love, but not in any particular order. She travels often with us, and goes to many get togethers with us. She loves going places and seeing new things. We’ve overdone it two to three times and she was pissed, but overall it’s worked for all of us. I really think it depends on your child. Sometimes she wakes up and wants to go outside and play in pajamas, other days it’s read, cuddle or sleep in for and extra hour.
Nikola
So you’re saying when your routine changes and because of this your kid throws a fit, that that’s OK and that you need doing more of what you have been doing all along?
Sandra
When I tried to give my kid a routine it was hard for him to keep up with it. He would have a hard time with getting used to all the steps.
Katie
I have 5 kids ranging from 14 to 4. Will what you have help me with establishing routines?
salim
Hi Lauren,
Instructive writing. Although they can practice a little more, kids can learn more. We travel with the kids almost all the time.
Thanks.