Routines for Early School-Age Kids
Life with little ones is always changing, and if you’ve recently transitioned to having a school-aged child, you might be feeling the shift in your family’s daily routine. Mornings can be hectic, evenings can feel like a race against the clock, and keeping everything running smoothly can be a challenge.
But here’s the good news—routines don’t have to be rigid or stressful. The right rhythm for your family is one that creates a sense of stability while allowing room for flexibility. Here’s some ways to make a daily routine work for you.
Why Routines Matter
For young children, consistency is key. Having a predictable daily structure helps kids feel secure, reduces stress (for everyone!), and encourages independence. Routines help with:
✔ Easier transitions – Moving from one activity to the next becomes smoother.
✔ Fewer power struggles – Kids know what to expect, which reduces resistance.
✔ Better time management – Helps everyone get out the door on time.
✔ Emotional security – Predictability can be comforting for little ones navigating a busy world.
But routines aren’t just for the kids—they help parents too! A well-structured day can reduce mental load, create more opportunities for quality time, and help keep the household running without as much chaos. We’ve tried many of these recommendations – some we’ve kept some we haven’t, some we simply forget about and then try to reintroduce. Kids change so quickly – adapt and pick and choose to suit your own families current situation.
Creating a Morning Routine That Works
Its an age old argument – is it harder getting them to bed or getting them ready for school! Mornings set the tone for the whole day. A calm, predictable morning makes getting out the door much easier! Here are some simple ways to build a stress-free morning routine:
🌞 Prepare the Night Before – Lay out clothes, pack school bags, and prep lunches to cut down on morning stress. It took us 1.5school years before we realised that Making lunches the night before is an absolute game changer.
🌞 Wake Up Before the Kids (If You Can!) – Even 10 minutes of quiet before the day begins can make a huge difference.
🌞 Make a Visual Checklist – Younger kids love having a “Morning Steps” chart: get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, grab bag!
🌞 Keep Breakfast Simple – A few go-to options that are easy and nutritious (like toast, fruit, or yoghurt) will save time.
🌞 Give Warnings for Time Transitions – A simple “Five more minutes until we leave!” can help prevent last-minute meltdowns.
After-School Reset: Winding Down & Staying Organised
School days can be big for little people, so an after-school routine can help them transition from the busy-ness of the day to a calmer evening at home.
🎒 Get the kids to unpack Bags Straight Away – Empty lunchboxes, check for school notes, and repack anything needed for tomorrow.
🥨 Snack & Chill Time – Kids often need a little downtime before jumping into anything structured. A snack and a quiet activity (or outdoor play) can work wonders.
📚 Homework (If Any!) – Doing it at the same time each day helps make it a habit—before dinner works for most families.
💬 Chat About the Day – Asking open-ended questions like “What was the funniest / most interesting / hardest thing that happened today? “ can encourage conversation.
Bedtime: Creating a Calming Evening Routine
This is so so important and we;ve continued the same bedtime routine for many years – I have to say – it doesn’t always make things smoother in our house but there is a level of comfort and predictability that comes from the consistency. Evening routines help children wind down and prepare their bodies for sleep. It’s not just about getting to bed—it’s about creating a sense of security and connection at the end of the day.
🌙 Set a Consistent Bedtime – Most early school-age kids need 10-12 hours of sleep per night.
🌙 Keep a Predictable Wind-Down Process – Bath, PJs, teeth brushing, storytime, and cuddles help signal that sleep is coming.
🌙 Limit Screen Time Before Bed – Blue light can interfere with melatonin, so try to switch to books or quiet play at least 30 minutes before sleep.
🌙 Use a Comfort Item if Needed – Some children find comfort in a favourite toy, blanket, or nightlight.
Flexibility is Key—Adjusting as Needed
No routine will be perfect every day, and that’s okay! Life happens—kids get sick, school events pop up, and some mornings just don’t go to plan. The goal isn’t perfection, but rather creating a rhythm that works for your family most of the time.
It’s also important to review routines occasionally—what works for a 5-year-old might not suit them at 7. As kids grow, involving them in small choices (like picking their own breakfast or packing their bag) can help them take ownership of their routine.
Finding What Works for Your Family
Every family is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is finding a balance between structure and flexibility—enough routine to create stability, but enough adaptability to handle life’s unpredictability.
If your family has a routine that works well, we’d love to hear about it! Join the conversation over in our Everyday Mums Facebook group or chat with us at one of our sessions.
You’ve got this, Mum! ❤️
