Routines are an important part of everyday life, for children and adults alike. Routines make us feel safe, secure, and confident. During times like these when many children are unexpectedly home, it is especially important to keep a routine going to promote physical health and structure.

When young children know what to expect they become more confident in both themselves and the world around them (Seilberlich, 2016). This sense of security and normalcy can be especially meaningful now during the pandemic to assure your child that he/she is safe.

So how does one go about making a routine when stuck at home?

Start with a timeline;

• what time does your child wake up for the day?
• What time do they go to sleep?
• Then add in meals; breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner.
• Also, add in time for school work based on what your child’s online learning is looking like during this time.

There is no “one size fits all” routine, especially with limited resources while quarantined at home. You can be creative to meet the specific needs of your child.

Here are some examples of activities you can add in throughout the day:

• creative time (science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) toys, Legos, drawing, coloring, arts and crafts, play instruments)
• chore time (wipe down surfaces)
• quiet time (reading, puzzles, take a nap)
• electronic time (iPad, computer, gaming consoles)
• movie time (DVD, streaming service)
• outdoor time (go for a walk, play outside, do yoga indoors if going outside isn’t an option)
• free time
• shower time

Get creative depending on your child’s age group too, water play with toddlers, dress-up play with preschoolers, board games with school-aged children, make a Tik-Tok video with your teens.

While these are trying times for many people in the world, take advantage of all this extra time with your children and make memories.

Sample Schedule Templates to Fill Out