How to Create a Kid-Friendly Morning Routine Chart

how to make a morning routine chart for kids

Simplify mornings with a DIY morning routine chart for kids. Help your child follow steps independently.

Say Goodbye to Morning Chaos with This DIY Routine Chart

Mornings with young kids can feel like a whirlwind, can’t they? Between getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door on time, it sometimes feels like a small miracle when you finally make it to school or daycare. But what if there was a way to make mornings a bit smoother and more organized? Enter the “morning routine chart.”

A morning routine chart is a visual guide that helps kids know exactly what to do each morning without constant reminders. It can be a game-changer in establishing independence and reducing morning stress. Plus, it’s super fun for kids to follow along! In this post, I’ll show you how to create a DIY morning routine chart that’s perfect for young kids.

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Why Use a Morning Routine Chart?

Ever since we started using a morning routine chart, our mornings have been so much smoother. My child loves being able to check off each task, and she’s so proud when she completes everything and is ready for the day! It’s been a game-changer for us.

Here are a few awesome benefits:

Visual cues for young kids: Kids love pictures, and a chart gives them a clear visual guide of what comes next. No more guessing or constant reminders!
Helps establish independence: With the chart, kids can follow along and complete tasks on their own. They learn to take responsibility and feel accomplished as they move through their morning routine.
Reduces morning stress: Knowing what to expect helps everyone stay calm and on track. Less stress for you means a happier start to the day for everyone.

Using a morning routine chart has not only helped my child become more independent but also brought a sense of order and calm to our hectic mornings. It’s a simple tool that makes a big difference!

Why Use a Morning Routine Chart?

Ever since we started using a morning routine chart, our mornings have been so much smoother. My child loves being able to check off each task, and she’s so proud when she completes everything and is ready for the day! It’s been a game-changer for us.

Here are a few awesome benefits:

Visual cues for young kids: Kids love pictures, and a chart gives them a clear visual guide of what comes next. No more guessing or constant reminders!
Helps establish independence: With the chart, kids can follow along and complete tasks on their own. They learn to take responsibility and feel accomplished as they move through their morning routine.
Reduces morning stress: Knowing what to expect helps everyone stay calm and on track. Less stress for you means a happier start to the day for everyone.

Using a morning routine chart has not only helped my child become more independent but also brought a sense of order and calm to our hectic mornings. It’s a simple tool that makes a big difference!

kid to do chart morning routine chart evening routine chart

Printable Kid To-Do Chart

We understand that not every parent has the time to create a DIY morning routine chart from scratch. That’s why we’re offering a printable version! This printable chart is perfect for busy parents!

Simply download, print, and follow the easy instructions to set it up. The printable version includes all the same visual cues and task labels, making it just as effective as the DIY version.

Your child can still enjoy the fun and independence of checking off each task as they go, and you get to enjoy a smoother, stress-free morning without spending hours on preparation.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Materials

Large piece of cardboard
Photographs or pictures of your child doing each morning task
Marker or pen

Scissors
Velcro stickers
Glue for pictures
Tape for securing on wall

Large piece of cardboard
Photographs or pictures of your child doing each morning task
Marker or pen
Scissors
Velcro stickers
Glue for pictures
Tape for securing on wall

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Prepare Your Cardboard: Start with a large piece of cardboard. At the top, write “Morning Routine” in big, bold letters.Attach Velcro: Place Velcro stickers on the cardboard and the back of each folded flap to keep them in place when folded up.

Step 2

Create a Grid: On the cardboard, draw a grid with 2 rows and columns for each task that needs to be completed. In our example, there are 7 tasks, so 7 columns.

Step 3

Add Pictures: In the first row, place the different pictures of your child getting ready in the morning. Glue or tape these pictures in place.

Step 4

Label Tasks: Below each picture in the second row, write out the tasks in chronological order. For example, “make bed,” “brush hair,” “brush teeth,” “get dressed,” “eat breakfast,” “pack bag,” “put shoes on.”

Step 5

Cut Columns to Fold Second Row: Use scissors to cut up the columns, but stop at the end of the picture row. Fold the second row up so it covers the pictures, then write “Done” with a check mark on the back of each flap.

Step 6

Setting Up and Using the Chart: Hang the chart in a place where your child can easily see and reach it. Each morning, your child can fold up the flaps to reveal “Done” as they complete each task. At the end of the day, simply unfold the flaps to reset the chart for the next day.

Step 1

Prepare Your Cardboard: Start with a large piece of cardboard. At the top, write “Morning Routine” in big, bold letters.Attach Velcro: Place Velcro stickers on the cardboard and the back of each folded flap to keep them in place when folded up.

Step 2

Create a Grid: On the cardboard, draw a grid with 2 rows and columns for each task that needs to be completed. In our example, there are 7 tasks, so 7 columns.

Step 3

Add Pictures: In the first row, place the different pictures of your child getting ready in the morning. Glue or tape these pictures in place.

Step 4

Label Tasks: Below each picture in the second row, write out the tasks in chronological order. For example, “make bed,” “brush hair,” “brush teeth,” “get dressed,” “eat breakfast,” “pack bag,” “put shoes on.”

Step 5

Cut Columns to Fold Second Row: Use scissors to cut up the columns, but stop at the end of the picture row. Fold the second row up so it covers the pictures, then write “Done” with a check mark on the back of each flap.

Step 6

Setting Up and Using the Chart: Hang the chart in a place where your child can easily see and reach it. Each morning, your child can fold up the flaps to reveal “Done” as they complete each task. At the end of the day, simply unfold the flaps to reset the chart for the next day.

Benefits of the Morning Routine Chart: Strengthening Executive Function

Using a morning routine chart offers significant benefits, particularly in strengthening executive function in young kids. But what is executive function, and why does it matter?

What is Executive Function? Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. These skills are essential for managing time, paying attention, planning, and organizing.

How the Morning Routine Chart Helps:

1. Visual Cues for Working Memory: The chart provides a visual guide of tasks, helping kids remember the sequence without constant reminders, thus enhancing their working memory.

2. Building Independence and Self-Control: Kids practice doing tasks independently and learn to control impulses, reinforcing self-control and a sense of accomplishment.

3. Enhancing Planning and Organization: Seeing the routine laid out helps kids plan their actions and develop organizational skills.

4. Reducing Stress and Increasing Focus: Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety, allowing kids to focus better and feel less rushed.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability: Kids learn to adapt if something changes in the routine, which is key to developing flexible thinking.