Part 1 – 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.

Preparing Children for Back to School
Part 1 – Ideas to Help Establish a Routine for Your Child
Part 2 – Review Academic Skills for Children
Part 3 – Attend School Events Preparing for School
Part 4 – Parents Should Talk About School with You Before It Starts
Part 5 – Steps to Help Your Kids Get Organized Before School
Part 6 – How Students Can Establish Communication with Teachers
Part 7 – Help Your Child Build Independence
Part 8 – Encourage a Positive Attitude in Your Child

Series Intro

Part 2

About the Author: Yvonne Wonder

As the founder and managing director of Destination Sitters, LLC, a national hotel and event babysitting service, and the mother of two children, I strongly believe that family comes first. I personally needed babysitting when I moved to San Diego 14 years ago. Like most parents, I assumed there were standards for temporary babysitting; in reality, there are no state standards or licensing requirements for temporary babysitting. The idea for Destination Sitters was born! I wanted to Give Parents Peace of Mind® when traveling with their children, so I created strict screening requirements for the sitters we refer. There is nothing like the peace of mind that comes from getting great professional help to care for your children, especially when traveling away from home. I and my partners, along with our office staff, have that one goal in mind with everything we do. Through the years of working with children, I have been inspired to write three books, and this blog for parents’ and children’s wellbeing. I believe the best way to teach a child is leading by example, with love, honesty, integrity, compassion, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Learning these values and teaching children that all women and men are equal will encourage them to dream big to be anything they want to be! An entrepreneur for over 35 years, I previously spent years running a construction and design company with two offices in California and built million-dollar estates and remodeled existing ones. For three and half years, I was one of the primary designers on HGTV’s Curb Appeal. I have also been published in books, magazines and newspapers, and have been a featured designer in multiple showcase houses.