Most parents know that having a consistent daily schedule is a goal worth having — how else are we supposed to get all the things done if it’s not built into a routine? But parents are also familiar with the fact that raising kids comes with tons of ups and downs, and a consistent daily schedule doesn’t always feel like an attainable goal, even if we know it’s important.
But we’re here to tell you that first, it’s definitely possible! Sometimes, it just takes a little trial and error to find the routine that works best for your family. And secondly, having a daily schedule for kids comes with deeper, more substantial advantages than you may realize. Here’s what you need to know.
Benefits of a Daily Schedule For Kids
Structure makes kids feel safe and in control
Almost all experts agree: the main reason kids need a consistent daily schedule is because it provides a sense of security and safety. When a child knows what to expect each day, it allows them to feel in control of their environment.
This is especially important when life throws your kid a curveball — such as moving to a new state or a loss in the family. Kids will have a much easier time processing these difficult experiences when they still know what to expect from the other parts of their lives.
Routines create opportunities for autonomy
Once kids feel comfortable in their environment, then they’re given the ability to embrace their environment. Parents can integrate opportunities in their schedules where kids can do things on their own. Perhaps this looks like feeding the dog every day or making their own breakfast. With an increasingly healthy level of autonomy, kids’ self-confidence can grow and flourish!
Consistent schedules help enforce family values
Daily schedules help communicate to kids specific family values without actually having to express it with words. If you have it in your daily schedule to always have family dinner with no cell phones at the table, this communicates to your child that quality family time and being present in the moment is something to strive for.
Structure teaches the importance of boundaries
If you left it up to kids, they’d probably have no structure at all — they’d stay up all hours of the night, eat cookies for breakfast, and glue their eyes to their screens. But as parents, we know it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. So a daily schedule helps enforce healthy boundaries in their life and teaches them how to regulate the fun activities (like video games and dessert) with the necessary activities (like chores and brushing your teeth).
Daily routines also benefit everyone
Here’s the best part — daily schedules aren’t just great for kids, they actually do wonders for adults as well! Tons of research shows that having a daily routine helps people reduce stress, get better sleep, be more productive, and boost mental health — just to name a few. When parents take care of themselves, it allows them to show up better for their kids. So consider what small habits you can include in your daily routine to make sure you’re showing up at your best mentally, emotionally, and physically.
How to Create a Daily Schedule for Kids
So now that you know the importance of a daily schedule for kids, you’re probably wondering how to get started with one. Our advice is to take it in small steps — these habits don’t happen overnight. Perhaps you start with one part of your child’s day like a morning routine. Then, once you get that solidified, you can start on a night routine. Or, you focus on something more specific like a tech routine — such as when your child is allowed to have access to certain devices throughout the day.
How Bark Can Help With Daily Routines for Kids
When it comes to a tech routine, many parents have found Bark to be instrumental in creating that structure for their kids. With Bark, you can create multiple daily screen time schedules, including ones for school time, bedtime, and free time. This way, you can decide what apps or games they have access to and when. Once the schedule ends, it’ll automatically block according to your rules. Start your free, 7-day trial to see how Bark’s screen time features, as well as our host of other parental controls, can help your family.
Additionally, the Bark Phone allows parents to set daily time limits, so that apps block after they’ve been used for a preset amount of time. And with remote alarms and remote timers, you can use the Bark Phone to ensure your child stays on task with whatever your family’s daily schedule looks like. Order your Bark Phone today!
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Bark helps families manage and protect their children’s digital lives.
