How To Get Your Child To Follow Routines Peacefully And Successfully

Interested in how our unique approach can benefit your child’s development? In this blog, you will learn about the importance of routines in childcare and how to get your child to follow them. 

Why are Schedules and Routines Important for Children? 

Just like adults, children feel safer and more sure of themselves when they know what to expect each day. Having a regular schedule and following step-by-step routines helps children understand what’s coming next. 

Whether they’re following a daycare daily schedule or at-home arrangements, having an established routine is important because: 

• It helps children feel secure and in control of their environment. 
• Children learn what to expect and look forward to scheduled activities such as group time, playtime, snack/lunchtime, or work time, fostering a sense of anticipation and enjoyment. 
• Participating in routines allows children to experience a sense of achievement and satisfaction when they successfully complete tasks. 
• Allowing children time to emotionally and mentally prepare for tasks and transitions between routines is crucial for their well-being and readiness. 
• Routines provide opportunities for children to learn positive behaviours like courtesy, self-control, cooperation, and taking turns. 
• Understanding and following established routines reduces anxiety in children and helps prevent negative behaviours such as arguments and tantrums. 

Establishing consistent and nurturing daily routines in childcare provides stability and security for young children and fosters their social and emotional development. But how does it happen?  

How Do Our Educational Philosophies Work With Routines in Early Childhood? 

At Kids Club, we use a blend of three educational philosophies to ensure we not only meet, but exceed the standards set by the National Quality Standard (NQS) ratings by fostering child-led learning. By integrating these methods, we provide a personalised educational experience that adapts to the needs of each child and learning environment. 

• The Montessori Method promotes independence and self-discipline through child-led, hands-on learning. For example, children might engage in practical life activities like pouring water, buttoning clothes, or sorting objects by size and colour. 
• The Waldorf Approach nurtures creativity and emotional intelligence with arts, crafts, music, and movement. At Kids Club, children might participate in activities such as painting with natural dyes, making crafts from natural materials, or engaging in rhythmic movement games. 
• The Reggio Emilia Philosophy encourages collaborative, project-based learning in an environment that values children’s natural curiosity and their ability to guide their own education. In our centres, you might see children working together on a long-term project, like building a model of their community using recycled materials. 

This unified educational approach highlights child-led learning as the core principle guiding all activities and routines. It encourages children to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace while adhering to structured routines that provide stability in their daily lives.  

What Is Our Childcare Daily Routine Schedule? 

Our Educators play a crucial role in facilitating this mixed-philosophy approach. Their professional development and unique experiences contribute to a rich, diverse learning environment. Staff training and expertise are critical components in meeting the NQS standards and ensuring that our programs exceed expectations. 

At Kids Club, we practise a creative and flexible approach to routines. Childcare routines are established through observing the children and addressing their needs for learning, playing, eating, drinking, and resting. This is also the same when designing an optimal infant daily schedule for daycare. Since 80% of brain development occurs in the first three years of life, all daycare daily schedules must help kids grow and learn at their own pace, preparing them for what comes next in their developmental stage. 

For consistency, we use visual routines at Kids Club to help the children understand structure and expectations. These routines guide caregivers and children through daily activities using visual cues and auditory signals. We structure childcare routines around how the children feel and what they are engaged in, adapting to changes as they occur throughout the day.   

Aside from this, we incorporate mind and body activities into these routines, such as music lessons and sports activities, which have been shown to enhance memory, improve confidence, strengthen learning capabilities, and develop motor skills. This demonstrates the child-centred approach at Kids Club, which is all about flexibility and putting the child first.  

How Do We Integrate Mind And Body Activities In Daycare Routines? 

Many studies have proven the power of music to enhance memory, improve confidence, strengthen learning capabilities and develop motor skills. At Kids Club, the children benefit from music lessons as part of their routine. The planned sports activities that are incorporated into the children’s routines have been researched and prepared by a professional sports clinic. 

Here are some activities that we do with kids: 

• Music and Movements: Singing nursery rhymes, dancing to music, and playing simple musical instruments like tambourines or shakers.
• Active Play: Running, jumping, kicking, and throwing soft balls or bean bags. 
• Learning Through Play: Sorting shapes, counting objects, and matching colours. 
• Nutrition Education Through Cooking: Involving kids in food preparation activities, such as making simple snacks or assembling fruit salads. 
• Art and Craft Activities: Painting, drawing, colouring, and sculpting with playdough or clay. 

Daycare routines at Kids Club not only involve academics and play but include educating the children about healthy eating and nutrition. This enables the children to make healthy choices and helps prepare them for a life of well-being. In addition, the in-house, fully qualified chefs prepare and cook fresh, healthy meals daily to provide nutritious meals for the children. 

We also use daily activity and routine charts to help children understand their schedules better without relying on rewards. This approach reduces stress and promotes a sense of achievement and cooperation among children. 

What Are Daily Routine Charts For Preschoolers? 

Daily activity and routine charts are a great way to support children in knowing what they need to be doing and when rather than having a reward chart for ‘doing the right thing’. This is due to not wanting to promote extrinsic motivation based on receiving material objects. Intrinsic motivation comes from within, which means that your child will be motivated to have good manners and be kind and courteous because it is the right thing to do and not because they receive a reward. 

Also, in some cases, a reward chart places stress on a child if they cannot achieve a specific behaviour or action at that particular moment in time. In line with the child-centred approach, Kids Club children learn from watching and emulating their classmates, Educators, and parents. Through their routines, they learn how to work independently and collaboratively with each other, including how to be polite and kind, how to take turns, and how to play cooperatively together. 

 

Give Your Child The Best Start At Kids Club! 

At Kids Club, our commitment to integrating Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia philosophies creates a nurturing and dynamic environment for children. Our unique approach ensures that children benefit from a balanced and enriching education, promoting their overall development and preparing them for future success. By fostering child-led learning and structured routines, we provide a stable and supportive setting where children can thrive. 

Moreover, we’re proud to align with the National Quality Standards (NQS), which means your child gets the best care and education. Here’s how we shine in all seven NQS quality areas: 

Educational Program and Practice 

Our learning programs are all about your child. We tailor everything to their unique personality, strengths, and interests, making learning fun and meaningful. 

Children’s Health and Safety 

Safety is our top priority! From soft and secure beds to nutritious meals, we’ve got everything covered to ensure your child’s overall well-being. 

Physical Environment 

Our centres are designed to be safe, stimulating, and just plain fun! With amazing indoor and outdoor play spaces, your child will love coming here every day. 

Staffing Arrangements 

Our team is made up of experienced and nurturing Educators who are passionate about early childhood development. They’re dedicated to providing the highest quality care. 

Relationships with Children 

We believe in building strong, positive relationships with every child. We celebrate their individuality and support their growth in every way. 

Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities 

We keep parents in the loop with daily updates and have an open door policy. You’ll always feel informed and involved in your child’s journey. 

Governance and Leadership 

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in everything we do, from our educational programs to our safety measures. We’re dedicated to providing the best experience possible. 

These NQS qualities ensure that we offer a holistic, enriching, and high-quality early learning experience for your child. 

Ready to give your child the best start in life? Enrol your child at Kids Club today and see the difference our approach can make!