These days we hear a lot about putting our children on a schedule. From infancy, we are told that they should have a routine for eating, sleeping, and other daily activities. But it is important that we, as parents, know how creating a schedule can be beneficial to our families.

They may not know it, but children thrive with structure. They need to know what comes next. Have you ever taken your child on a trip that has disrupted their schedule? What do you hear from them all the way there? “Are we there yet?” “When will we be there?” Children need to know! Babies that are not on a routine can feel insecure when they do not know what to expect. A schedule creates security and comfort and limits the amount of stress that children feel.

Another reason to place your kids on a consistent schedule is so that they can learn how to manage their time effectively. Older children need to know what time, for example, their bus will be there to pick them up for school in order to get ready for the day. There needs to be an established time to complete homework or chores if you expect these things to be finished. Imagine, as an adult, going to work and not being told what you need to have accomplished and when it should be completed. Would you be expected to be productive in that kind of an environment.

If you have small children that cannot tell time, make sure you have cues that let them know to prepare for certain activities. This can be as simple as placing your baby in a highchair and putting on his/her bib before it is time to eat. Many parents like to start picking up toys before bath and bedtime. It is always a great idea to wind-down with a good story before it is time for bed.

Although having a consistent schedule is important, you need to make some room for flexibility. However, if your children eat everyday at 6:30pm, make sure that around that time you are near some food or you might have a problem on your hands!