I’m looking for practical advice to help design a daily routine for kids that they can actually stick to. What strategies can you recommend for creating a consistent and effective schedule that accommodates their needs and maintains their engagement?
I’ve started keeping the routine simple for my five-year-old with a few fixed times for small tasks and play. I’ve been experimenting with gentle reminders and rewards when he sticks to it. I’m curious if keeping it really minimal helps with consistency or if anyone has seen different approaches work better?
I remember the struggle when my kids were younger. One thing that really made a difference was involving them in setting up the routine. I sat down with each of my children and asked for their input on what tasks and times worked best for them. This gave them some control over the schedule and made it feel more like a team effort. I started small by including just a few key activities each day and gradually added more once the initial routine became a habit. At the same time, I kept some flexibility to adjust to schoolwork and extracurriculars. It was important to celebrate progress even if it was minor. If a method wasn’t working, I didn’t hesitate to try another approach. Every child is different and finding what resonates with them might take a bit of trial and error. Just remember, patience and consistency really pay off in the long run! 
I’ve found that a flexible routine works best once you identify the natural flow of the day. I try to set general time blocks for homework, chores and free time rather than rigid times for each task. This way my child feels some control and it feels less like a strict schedule. I leave room for unexpected changes and small wins, which seems to motivate them to stick with the routine. Consistency over time helps build habits without making the day feel overwhelming or boring.