Morning Routines for Toddlers

When their daily routines are regular and comfortable, toddlers feel more secure and in control. Toddlers benefit from routines and schedules both at home and in group care settings because they feel more in control of their surroundings.

Here are some tips to help you and your toddler have an easy morning routine:

•  Offer a choice in activities or the steps of a routine whenever possible.
• Be flexible. You can say something like, “Plans change, things happen, but give your child a warning ahead of time if things are going to be different. Let them know what is going to happen.”
• Review the schedule every morning and throughout the day with your child helps them know what is going to happen next.
•  Keep the routine and schedule as similar as possible each day.

With school starting, it is also important to reinstate your morning routine and reteach/remind your toddler of the routine. Practice getting back into the routine with your toddler.  Provide positive, descriptive feedback when children both attempt to follow or succeed in following the routine.