Babies and toddlers often seem to routinely disrupt schedules, seemingly on purpose!  However, having a routine is important to small children and can help young children in variety of ways.

• Toddlers are constantly exploring the world around them and learning how things work. A routine can help them more easily understand how things work.
   
• An established routine helps children relax because they know what is coming next. Surprises can be stressful and cause tantrums.
   
• A routine can encourage independence in toddlers. For example, a bedtime routine typically involves getting a drink of water, reading a book, brushing your teeth, etc. When a child repeats these activities each night, your toddler will eventually know what comes next and works toward doing these tasks independently.
   
• We all live in an unpredictable world where situations often change in seconds. For a toddler, changes can be scary and stressful. A routine gives them some constant activities they can count on.
   
• An establish routine can help diffuse conflict and can often reduce or eliminate power struggles between parents and head strong toddlers.

​Don’t worry if you haven’t set a routine for your toddler. It’s never too late. Begin with one or two set times for specific tasks and add other routines each week.