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Part 1 – Ideas to Help Establish a Routine for your Child

Ideas to help establish a routine for your child.

Ideas to help Establish a routine for childcare – Part 1
Establishing a routine is important for childcare, as it helps children feel secure and provides structure to their day. Here are some ideas to help establish a routine for childcare:

  • Create a schedule: Create a daily schedule that includes a set wake-up time, meal times, nap times, play time, and bedtime. Stick to this schedule as much as possible to establish a routine for the child.
  • Use visual aids: Use visual aids, such as pictures or a schedule board, to help children understand the daily routine. This can be especially helpful for children who are too young to read or understand time.
  • Be consistent: Consistency is key to establishing a routine. Try to keep the routine the same every day, and if changes need to be made, try to make them gradually.
  • Involve the child: Involve the child in the routine by letting them choose their clothes, help with meal preparation, or pick a book for story time. This helps the child feel like they have some control over their day.
  • Set expectations: Set clear expectations for behavior and follow through with consequences if necessary. This helps children understand what is expected of them and helps maintain consistency in the routine.
  • Plan for transitions: Plan for transitions between activities by giving children a heads up before a transition occurs. For example, let them know five minutes before it’s time to clean up and move on to the next activity.
  • Provide opportunities for physical activity: Include physical activity in the routine, such as outdoor play time or dance parties. This helps children burn off energy and promotes healthy habits.
  • Allow for flexibility: While consistency is important, it’s also important to be flexible and adjust the routine as needed. For example, if a child is sick or has a special event, the routine may need to be adjusted.

Establishing a routine for childcare can take time and patience, but it can greatly benefit both the child and the caregiver. By providing structure and consistency, children can feel secure and develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

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About the Author: Yvonne Wonder

Yvonne Wonder is an author, entrepreneur, and founder of Destination Sitters, LLC, a national babysitting referral service supporting traveling families across 21 U.S. cities. With more than 35 years of entrepreneurial experience—and 17 years dedicated to childcare in the travel sector—Yvonne brings a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and heart to everything she writes. She is the author of Mrs. Claus Saves Christmas, The Top 5 Tricks to Traveling With Kids That Will Change Your Life, and 26 Comfort Foods & Their History for Kids in the Kitchen. As a mom, she writes with warmth, real-world insight, and a deep belief that family moments matter most—whether at home or on the road. Through her leadership at Destination Sitters, Yvonne works with 6K+ hotels, wedding planners, and event professionals nationwide, all with one mission in mind: giving parents peace of mind while their children are cared for safely, joyfully, and professionally during travel.

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