Seven Simple Routines

There’s comfort in doing similar things each day and knowing what to expect, which is why kids thrive on routines! Setting up consistent routines between home and “in care” creates consistency and helps ease separation anxiety and transitions.

Consider doing these simple routines at home with your child, and sharing them with caregivers:

1. Do a special handshake when saying hello or goodbye (such as giving a high five and blowing a kiss)!

2. Read or look at a book together before naptime or bedtime.

3. Sing the same song or lullaby at bedtime.

4. Cut up food into simple shapes before meals (make triangular halves out of a square sandwich, slice bananas into circular pieces, and so on), and talk about the shapes as kids eat.

5. Play Simon Says to help learn body parts while getting dressed: “Simon Says put the sock on your left foot!”

6. When kids have tantrums or are feeling frustrated, encourage them to take three slow, deep breaths to calm down, and then spin in a circle to start fresh.

7. Give kids a superhero name, and let them know they have the power to solve problems! When they have a problem, say, “This looks like a job for Super Max!”