Routine

KIDS for Families
NHS GGC
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decorative imageHaving a routine can help children and young people with sleep and managing emotions. It helps to do a variety of different activities each day. Having a routine makes their day predictable.

Below are some ideas to help you build and stick to a routine.

 

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Finding Balance

It is important to do a bit of what you love every day. Children and young people need a balance of activities throughout the day. They need something active, something quiet and relaxing, something to make their brain work and something with other people. They also need a balance between things they have to do (school work, brushing your teeth, eating ...) and things they want to do.

 

Planning your day

There are lots of options you can use to plan out your child or young person's day and to help them stick to that plan.

You could use a diary, notebook or calendar to organise their day. You could try using a daily planner sheet like the one below. You could use a visual timetable if that works better for them.

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Technology can be useful too. Most phones have alarms and calendars your child or young person can use to help you stick to your routine. Setting alarms and reminders can help to keep them on track throughout the day. Try setting one for getting up, one for mealtimes and one for wind down time before bed.

There are also other apps out there that might help. Below are some examples of apps that might be helpful:

Remember to check out the reviews and security before installing any apps and do not share any personal information.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 04/04/2025

Next review date: 30/04/2026

Author(s): Occupational Therapists, Specialist Children's Services.

Approved By: KIDS Content Group, SCS Clinical Governance Executive Group

Reviewer name(s): KIDS Content Group.