Art For Children
How to Get Children To Follow Routines
For many kids, having a daily routine is reassuring. They know what to do and when to do it. They get used to that routine. But some kids won’t follow a routine or schedule, particularly if it’s new. That can be stressful, especially when you’re counting on that routine to help keep everyone on track and the day running smoothly.
If your child resists following a routine, here are five tips to try.
1. Let your child help make the routine.
Kids like to be part of the decision-making process. When they have choices and a say in what’s part of their routine, it’s harder for them to refuse to do it. It also builds confidence. They feel like they can do what they need to do without your help—or with just a little help.
2. Be realistic about time and priorities.
Sometimes kids don’t follow a routine because it’s too stressful to get it done in the set time frame. Do a run-through to see exactly how long it takes. If you need your child to get dressed, eat breakfast, pack up, and get out the door in the morning, try it on a day when you aren’t in a rush. If it takes 10 minutes longer than you planned for, go back and adjust it.
Be sure to prioritize what’s important. It all feels important. But if you and your child are fighting every night about doing the dishes right after dinner, maybe they can be done a little later or first thing in the morning. Postponing the “extras” can cut back on stress and bad feelings.
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At a Glance
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When kids don’t follow a routine or schedule, it’s frustrating.
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New routines can be hard for kids to get used to.
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When kids help create routines, they’re more likely to follow them.
3. Be clear when you explain the routine.
Sometimes when kids don’t follow a routine, it’s because they don’t understand it or know how to tackle it. Be clear in setting out the order of what needs to happen and at what time. Then, go over each part of the routine and explain exactly what’s expected for each task. Be specific when you give directions.
Instead of “You need to vacuum today,” try “Today, please vacuum your room and the hallway.”
4. Put the routine in writing.
How often do you make yourself a to-do list so you won’t forget what you need to do? Kids need those reminders, too. Write out routines and post them where they make sense. (For example, you could post the morning routine on the bathroom mirror.)
Just make sure to chunk the tasks into three to five items at a time. Any more than that can be overwhelming. For younger kids, you can also pair written items with picture schedules to help them see the task in action.
5. Know that kids need support to learn routines.
It takes time to learn and get used to new routines. Don’t expect to see a change right away. Instead, keep an eye out for small improvements. Keep giving gentle out-loud reminders and pointing out the written schedule. If your child is having trouble, it’s OK to help.
Remember to praise the effort, not just the end result. Trying to follow a routine is much better than just not following it at all.
Why Kids Have Trouble Following a Routine or Schedule
Following a routine or sticking to a schedule may seem simple. But they actually require many skills. Some kids have trouble with one or more of these skills. They may struggle with:
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Stopping what they’re doing and switching gears
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Staying on task and not getting distracted
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Paying attention to rules
These skills are part of a larger group of thinking skills known as executive function. Many kids have trouble with these skills, especially kids with ADHD. Some kids also need more time to take in information and act on it.
How You Can Help
Knowing what’s causing your child to not follow routines or schedules lets you know where to go from here, and what might help. So, the first thing to do is keep observing your child. Take notes on what you’re seeing.
As you start to see patterns, talk to people who know and spend time with your child, like teachers and caregivers. They can share what they’ve noticed and give you a fuller picture.
Also, talk with your child’s doctor or other professionals who provide health care. They can help you make sense of what’s happening.
In the meantime, here are ways you can help at home.
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Create a visual planner or picture schedule and place it where your child can easily see it. Have your child mark off what’s been done. You can use bedtime checklists, too.
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Discover printable “contracts” to help you and your child stay on the same page when it comes to household rules.
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Get tips for giving praise that will build self-esteem and help your child stay motivated to try to follow routines and schedules.