Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Stages

The 5 daily routines every toddler should have

By

As much as toddlers enjoy their exploration, their playtime, and their naps, their daily routine needs to be … well, a routine. We definitely want the best for our little ones, and that includes structure that gives them an element of security in knowing what’s going to happen next and tons of opportunities for learning, as noted by the Department of Health & Human Services.

So we have some insights to share about setting up a daily routine for your toddler.

Recommended Videos

Morning routine

Mornings should start off with a consistent wake-up time. Getting up at the same time every morning establishes a healthy pattern for your toddler’s sleep cycle, which paves the way for a more pleasant day. If you’re not in too much of a rush to head out the door, this time also provides an opportunity for your child to learn basic self-care such as getting dressed, grooming, and brushing teeth.

Part of the morning routine should also include a healthy breakfast that’s preferably not loaded with sugary cereal that can cause a mid-morning crash and a bad case of the “grumpies” for your little one.

Playtime with parent or playgroup

Once your toddler’s day is underway, he or she should also have time allotted to play, which at this age serves as the main vehicle for learning. Children gain so many skills from one-on-one time with parents or a playdate with friends. Communication and socialization are just two valuable advantages of playtime. Plus, depending on the activities, toddlers also gain more development of their fine motor skills if modeling clay or coloring are involved, not to mention all of the benefits connected with music if you incorporate singing and dancing.

g

Snack and mealtimes

Not only do toddlers get to partake of tasty and nutritious food, but the meal and snack times also provide opportunities for incorporating life skills in the following areas:

  • Nutrition
  • Table manners and etiquette
  • The importance of helping out

Older toddlers can take turns handing out the napkins or plates, which sets a positive tone for completing simple chores. Plus, this gives you (or the caregiver) some time to get off your feet and have a seat while the children are eating.

Outdoor play and exploration

When the weather allows, toddlers should also have a chance to go outside to play or to go for a short walk. Any climbing that takes place on the playground or any games that are played outdoors not only give children time to get some fresh air but also to develop their gross motor skills. In relation to games, they also learn how to take turns and follow the rules of a game.

The change of seasons also offers opportunities to learn some simple aspects of science, like why leaves change colors in the fall or how caterpillars turn into butterflies. Toddlers would enjoy and learn a lot from interacting with nature. Another great idea is to allow your toddler to help with simple gardening tasks like watering the plants or picking vegetables.

Evening and bedtime routine

As the day draws to a close, you’ll need to carve out time in the evening for your toddler to wind down and relax before eating dinner and going to bed. This is also a good time to pass on some more valuable lessons through the following practices:

  • Allowing your toddler to choose a part of or the entire outfit for the next day
  • Encouraging your toddler to pick up toys and to put them back where they belong

In addition to these activities, toddlers can pick up the lessons on self-care again through the nighttime habits of brushing their teeth and bathing before going to bed. Finally, keeping the bedtime consistent every night will allow your little one to get adequate rest, which is important especially during the growth-spurt phase when energy levels tend to fluctuate.  And of course, don’t forget the bedtime story.

Young boy lying in bed with Teddy bear
Milos Vucicevic/Shutterstock.com

Basically, keeping a daily routine can easily become automatic for toddlers. Indeed, some flexibility might be needed in the event of emergencies or changes in the family dynamic, like the birth of a sibling, but consistency provides a safe haven for your little one to feel secure when he or she has a clear picture of what each day will bring.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Leslie Anderson
Leslie Anderson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Leslie Anderson is a freelance writer/writing coach from Roswell, N.M. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and helping students…
Can toddlers drink almond milk or other plant-based drinks?
How safe are milk alternatives for your toddler?
Toddler girl drinking milk through a straw while lying on the grass

Milk is an important part of the diet of toddlers. Milk, along with other fortified dairy products or soy beverages, plays an integral role in helping toddlers grow strong bones and teeth. Generally speaking,  milk helps your toddler's body grow. Almost all cow's milk has been fortified with calcium and vitamin D, crucial nutrients for your growing child. But what's a parent to do if they are vegan or have children who are allergic to cow's milk? These parents often wonder if their toddlers can have almond milk or other plant-based drinks as an adequate substitute for cow's milk.

With the recent increase in the popularity of plant-based drinks and almond milk, parents have been confused about whether their toddlers should be drinking these beverages instead of cow's milk. If you've been curious whether toddlers can drink almond milk or other plant-based drinks, this should help clear up any confusion.
Why is milk so important?

Read more
Heads up, 7 up: What’s the game and how to play it
Learn the ins and outs of this classic kids' game
Five kids each giving a thumb-up

Seven up is another classic kids' game that has definitely stood the test of time. This game has been played in countless classrooms throughout the U.S. since the 1950s. No one is actually sure who invented this popular game, but most people have played at some point. Seven up is also known by other names like heads up, heads down, thumbs down or thumbs up. Its name variations point toward the basic aspects of the hands-on game.

A majority of elementary school teacher has led several rounds of 7 up during their teaching careers. New teachers may want to add it to their menu of classroom games because it's a perfect pick to fill time when waiting for a specialty teacher or transitioning to another subject.

Read more
Baby registry must-haves: This is everything that should be on your list
Here's the ultimate list of what you need, so the only thing to worry about getting is sleep
Couple sitting in the nursery

From picking out a name to picking out a nursery theme, having a baby comes with a thousand decisions that need to be made before you even have to start raising a little human. From the moment you find out you are pregnant, the list of what you'll need to buy grows by the minute. But what do you need, and what can you skip? We have the baby registry must-haves, so you will have all the items you'll need when you welcome your newest family member.
The best places for your baby registry

Go big box or go online? No matter where you register, make sure you understand how the site or store works and check out perks like coupons for the rest of your wish list or free gifts for signing up.
Big box stores are always a good idea

Read more