Want to know the best daily routine for kids that you can use during the school year? This routine has been tested and adjusted for years and is a piece of cake for you to follow.
If you do not follow a routine already, starting one for your school-aged kids can be tough. As a mom of 4 kids, and a daycare provider, I am going to share the daily routine for kids I use every day during the school year to ensure they have the best day possible.
You are going to learn about how to start their day, how to help them get ready for bed, and how to make the most of the time you are together.
After learning about this routine for kids, you are going to have a better daily rhythm with your child during the school year.
Let's jump into the best daily routine for kids to use during the school year that will make your life easier.
My post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my full disclosure.
Best Routine For Kids
How this routine For Kids will help you Mama
This is a routine that is all for your child, but it is all for you as well Mama. I have used this routine with my school-aged kids for years now.
It has been adjusted around my schedule so I can get done what I need to. This includes being a daycare provider, cleaning my house, meal prep, etc.
Why Having A Routine For Kids During The School Year Is Important
- Kids thrive on a schedule
- They like knowing what to expect, they like the structure
- Fewer meltdowns when they are on a schedule, and yes even older kids will break down from time to time
What you should and should not include in your routine
Kids will have access to screen time at school, they do not need much at home. During the week, my kids do not have much screen time. And we are talking little to none at all.
I know it is so easy but don’t do it! On the weekends we are freer about it though.
Let your kids have unstructured time in their routine, some amazing and fun things can happen.
I have seen my kids' imaginations run completely wild by creating things and playing games together.
They also expand their big, beautiful brains and get lots of reading time in.
We have been working on getting the following daily routine right for a long time. And we finally have a good flow going. But, feel free to adjust this routine to fit your needs.School Year
Daily Routine for Kids
6:30 a.m. - Wake Up
If your school-age kids are like mine, most days they drag their feet about getting ready for school.
I try to give them a good amount of time to wake up and make it through their morning without them feeling rushed.
6:40 a.m. - Get Dressed
Have your child get dressed after they go to the bathroom. It will give them a bit of energy to get moving for the day.
My kids pick out their clothes the night before so this step does not take forever.
6:45 a.m. - Make Bed
You can teach your child how to be responsible for their items by having them make their bed every morning.
It will start out looking a little crazy but resist fixing it. Instead, praise them for their efforts. Work on building their confidence so you don't have to always make it for them.
Their skills will get better.
6:50 a.m. - Breakfast
Sometimes kids will eat in a flash. Other times, they are so slow!
We have half an hour to make breakfast happen. Luckily my kids do not get crazy about what they eat for breakfast.
Some easy breakfast go-to’s include: toast, bagels, toaster waffles, cereal, eggs, and yogurt.
Right after they are done eating, have them brush their teeth and comb/brush their hair.
7:20 a.m. - Read and Play
If there is any time left before your kids have to get out the door, let them play or read.
We have a subscription to Ranger Rick and Ranger Rick Jr. magazine and my kids love reading these in the morning.
When my kids have this time, they have a better attitude about going to school and are more relaxed.
7:35 a.m. - Get Ready to go Out the Door
It can take any where from a moment to put shoes on to 5 minutes to get into full snow gear, if you get that kind of weather. Then it is time for your kids to get out the door.
This before-school timeline may look so different for you depending on how far you live from the school.
It will also depend on how your kids get to school. Do they walk, do you drive them, or do they take the bus?
We live within 1 block of our school, so my kids can walk.
3:15 p.m. - Home From School
In rolls the noise!
Have your kids clean out their backpacks and put their stuff away, right away.
If your kids are like mine, they would just leave it in a heap if I didn’t have them do this right away.
3:20 p.m. - Snack
Is it time for a snack or another full-blown meal? Most days it is hard to tell here.
Refuel their energy by providing some healthy, and filling snacks.
My kids are so hungry after school. And if they don't get enough of a snack, man they are "hangry" by supper.
3:30 p.m. - Homework
When kids get into school, homework will happen. It may not be every day or take that long but it is there.
There are also those killer homework days when your kiddo just isn’t understanding the lesson, not my favorite. That is when homework seems like it will never be done for them.
Your patience will go a very long way in helping them get through it.
3:30 p.m. - Play and Read
If your kids do not have homework, let them have time to read and play. They have been “on” for the last 7 – 8 hours. They need a break.
4:00 p.m. - Outside
Getting school-age kids outside is so important. Even though school does its best to get them active while your kids are there, it is not enough.
They need time to run, play, be loud, and just burn off all their energy. Did I mention how important this outside time is for them?
I love going out with my kids at this time. They are at the age that they still want me to play with them. And they tell me a bit about their day.
5:00 p.m. - Play
I get it, you need to make supper. If you don’t, who will right?
Let your kids have some independent time and play, read, sing, craft, etc.
When the weather is nice, my kids will stay out longer while I make supper. Some days they want to help make supper.
We try our very best to not do screen time at this point of the day or after. Kids’ brains need to rest and start to wind down for bed.6:00 p.m. - Supper
I get it, you need to make supper. If you don’t, who will right?
Let your kids have some independent time and play, read, sing, craft, etc.
When the weather is nice, my kids will stay out longer while I make supper. Some days they want to help make supper.
We try our very best to not do screen time at this point of the day or after. Kids’ brains need to rest and start to wind down for bed.6:45 p.m. - Get Ready For Bed
Right after they are done eating, have your kids start their bedtime routine. This part of the day will go so much smoother with one.
Your kids are starting to crash, and they may lose it in a big way.
Nope, it doesn’t matter if they are 8, or 10, or 12. All kids get tired and show it in different ways as they get older.
This is what our bedtime routine looks like:
- Take your plate to the sink, or better yet rinse it and put it in the dishwasher
- Some nights a quick bath or shower is needed
- Get pajamas on
- Have them put their dirty clothes in the basket
- Set out clothes for the next day
- Floss and brush teeth
- Do some calming activities until bedtime (No screen time!!! Do NOT re-stimulate their little brains. You are trying to calm them down.)
Some activities we do are snuggling up and reading together, board games, and coloring.
By 8:00 p.m. - Bed
My kids are in bed most nights by 7:45, 8:00 at the latest. They know they need the sleep and rarely fight to go.
If your kids are like mine, they barely get out of bed once they are tucked in. They are so tired from their day.
Yes, I planned it this way.
Congratulations!
Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. You made it through another day with your energetic, rambunctious, and sometimes emotional child.
Go and take a little time for yourself before you hopefully get a good night's sleep. They will wake up tomorrow ready to rock and roll.
Best be rested for it.
This post was all about the best daily routine for kids that you can use during the school year.
Leave a comment below on what makes your school day go smooth for you and your kids.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.