The Power of Routines
A little structure goes a long way - helping children feel safe, confident and ready to learn.
To an adult, routines might seem a bit dull - but to a child, they’re a powerful tool for making sense of the world. At Step Start, routines are woven gently into the day to help children feel secure, build independence, and move through transitions with ease. At home, even simple routines can make a big difference in reducing stress, improving behaviour and helping your child feel more in control.
Why routines matter in the early years:
- They provide security - knowing what comes next helps children feel calm and safe
- They reduce anxiety and overwhelm - predictability lowers stress, especially during transitions
- They support independence - children learn to take responsibility for simple tasks
- They build self-regulation - routines help children learn to manage emotions and expectations
- They encourage better sleep behaviour and emotional resilience
How routines work at Step Start:
Our nursery day follows a flexible but familiar structure - from mealtimes and naps to group activities and outdoor play. This rhythm helps children settle quickly, anticipate what’s next, and feel in tune with their environment.
We also:
- Prepare children for transitions with gentle warnings (e.g. “Five more minutes of play before tidy-up”)
- Use visual prompts, songs and stories to support understanding
- Celebrate independence as children master parts of their routine, like washing hands or tidying toys
- Tailor routines to suit individual needs and age groups
How you can build supportive routines at home:
- Keep it simple, think “bedtime, mealtimes, getting dressed” rather than a full timetable
- Use the same phrases or prompts (“First teeth, then story”) to help your child understand the flow
- Add fun - songs, games or special roles (e.g. “nap time helper”) make routines engaging
- Stick to it most of the time - consistency is key, but flexibility matters too
- Celebrate small wins - “You put your shoes on all by yourself - amazing!”
Routine isn’t about control - it’s about confidence
Children who feel secure in their routine are more able to explore, play and learn freely. At Step Start, we don’t use routine to limit children - we use it to free them to thrive.