Routine Rulebook

How to make a successful routine? Here are 10 rules that help you start your own success story.

Rule Example
Decide What the Routine Is For A routine only works when it has a clear purpose. If that keeps changing, the routine won’t hold.
Make Sure All Adults Agree If one adult doesn’t agree, it becomes harder to follow through, and the routine starts to slip.
Explain the Routine to the Child Say it in a way they understand, in words or even pictures, so they know what’s coming and feel part of it.
Adjust When Needed Rules are there to make the day easier, not harder. If they don’t, it’s time to change them.
Follow Through It only works if you actually follow it. When it becomes part of the day, it feels natural. So make sure to make it your own.
Don’t Let It Turn Into Frustration It’s okay if the routine doesn’t go exactly as planned. It’s better to bend a little than turn it into a stressful moment.
Give It Time A routine won’t work right away. It takes a few days for everyone to get used to it.
Expect Pushback Change is hard. When you start something new, children will test it. That doesn’t mean it’s not working.
Keep It Simple If it’s too complicated, it won’t fit into your day. Keep it realistic so you can actually do it.
Be Consistent With You Even if others do it differently, the child can still learn how it works with you. They learn what to expect from each person.

Need Help Making the Routine Work?

A good routine should fit real life, not fight against it. If you need help adjusting routines between parents, nannies, or caregivers,
I’m here to help you make the day run smoother.

Book a Consultation

This guide is for informational and educational purposes only.

More Tools

Job Market

Tech-Smart Guide

A quick reference to the best of childcare tech. So you never have to feel behind.

Try the Tool

Caregiver Experience

Burnout Toolkit

A toolkit that is designed to help you pause, reflect, and reset before burnout takes over.

Try the Tool

Caregiver Experience

Double Duty Resource Shelf

Handpicked resources for moms balancing parenting and professional caregiving.

Try the Tool