We often turn to the American Academy of Pediatrics for recommendations. We were particularly struck by this helpful post on the importance of family routines and suggestions for best practices.

Here’s the full article to read, as well as our suggestions for personalizing your family routine. Get started with these ideas:

Weekday Mornings:

1. Organize the night before.
2. Ensure positive routines.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast.

A perfect example might be: Before your child goes to bed, have them pick out their clothes for the day and prepare their own lunch. That way, when they awake, they’re ready to go.

Weekday Evenings:

1. Enjoy a meal together.
2. Share the day’s activities.
3. Encourage positive conversations.

A perfect example might be: Turn off the television and put away your mobile devices, enjoying each other’s company and conversations, keeping the dialogue positive and upbeat.

Bedtime:

1. Establish a nightly time for bed.
2. Stay consistent with nightly routines.
3. Enjoy some positive moments of reading or storytelling.

A perfect example might be: As you help tuck your child in to bed, let them know that it’s almost a certain time of night, and encourage them to start to think about going to sleep, sharing thoughts of the day or perhaps reflections on a story you just read.

Weekends:

1. Spend time together.
2. Work on family chores.
3. Get outside or go on adventures.

A perfect example might be: Every Saturday you help each other clean up the house before you head out on a hike or decide to explore a new part of town.

What do you find works best for your family? Comment below.

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