Why routine and structure benefits your toddler

Why routine and structure benefits your toddler

Are you a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of parent when it comes to toddler routines? Do usually feel satisfied to just 'wing it' when it comes to parenting and structure? Can you respond to 1000 toddler demands in a heartbeat and still remain calm enough to leave the house each morning on time and generally unruffled?

Or do structure and routine dominate your method of manoeuvrings each morning? Do you monitor your toddlers every action, ensuring every task is managed on a tight timetable scheduled to precision?

Parenting and family researchers suggest that, while there is a great deal of room for individual flexibility around toddler routines, children who have parents who encourage routines and structure do best.

The benefits of routine for Toddlers and preschoolers




Structured routines for toddlers

There are a number of other reasons that routines are helpful for your toddler's development.

  • Routines can help children understand time and time management.
  • Routines can help children get used to having chores.
  • Routines can strengthen relationships by focusing on time together.

We may find that certain routines are almost universal, such as morning and bed-time routines. Others may suit specific circumstances or stages of life, such as your family's Sunday morning routine, or preschool routine.


  • Structured morning preparations and routines
  • Structured mealtime routines
  • Structured bedtime routines
  • Structured childcare routines
  • Structured playdates (if your child knows that every Thursday after swimming lessons it's a playdate with your mother's group, Thursday morning can positively buzz!)

Toddler routines don't have to be boring

The other great thing about routines for toddlers is that they don't have to be constantly emphasising the mundane aspects of life. We can create exciting yet structured routines around things like:


Read more about parenting and toddlers


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