Creating Calm: The Power of Routines when Home Educating

Home educating in the morning routine?

Often, in the rush of trying to get all our daily tasks completed and include everything that needs to be done, our days can seem unpredictable and this can often make children seem unsettled. One of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support children’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural development is also one of the simplest: develop a routine.

According to Selman and Dilworth-Bart (2023), family routines—those regular, predictable patterns of daily life—are more than just “nice to have.” Their comprehensive review of decades of research shows that routines are deeply connected to child wellbeing, family functioning, and preparing our children for world at large.

But what does this look like in everyday family life? And how do we build routines that actually work?

Why Routines Matter in Home Education (According to the Research)

Selman and Dilworth-Bart found that routines provide children with a reliable sense of structure, safety, and identity. When children know what’s coming next, they feel more in control, which reduces anxiety and helps them develop important self-regulation skills.

The review also highlights that routines are especially beneficial in:

• Supporting emotional security and behavioural regulation

• Promoting language-rich interactions (like mealtimes or shared reading)

• Building resilience during periods of change or stress (such as starting home education)

• Strengthening the parent-child relationship through repeated shared activities

  
  

Building a Meaningful Routine when Home Educating: What to Include

The beauty of routines is that they don’t need to be rigid schedules. Instead, think of them as predictable patterns that guide your day.

🗣️ Communication & Literacy

Use daily routines like breakfast or bedtime to build rich, two-way conversations. Talk about plans, ask questions, and encourage storytelling. These moments support language development naturally—no worksheets needed.

➕ Maths

Routine-based activities like cooking, tidying, or getting dressed provide countless opportunities for mathematical thinking—measuring, sequencing, comparing, and counting all show up in daily life.

🌍 Understanding the World

Make space in your routine for exploration and curiosity. Nature walks, asking questions, or looking at maps or weather charts help children build connections to the world around them.

😊 Social & Emotional Development

Routine creates a framework for talking about feelings, solving problems, and building confidence. Predictable transitions (like from play to tidy-up) also reduce conflict and support emotional self-regulation.

🏃‍♀️ Physical Development

Incorporate physical and independence skills into daily routines—buttoning coats, chopping fruit, or sweeping the floor all support fine and gross motor skills and build self-esteem.

How to Start (Without Overwhelm)

1. Start with one part of the day, like mornings or bedtime, and keep it simple.

2. Use visual aids for younger children or neurodivergent learners.

3. Stick with it—consistency is more important than perfection.

4. Check in with your child—ask what’s working and what could change.

   
   

A Final Thought

Routines aren’t about controlling every moment—they’re about creating rhythm, safety, and space for connection. As Selman & Dilworth-Bart (2023) highlight, the long-term developmental benefits of routines are powerful, especially when they’re filled with warmth and responsiveness.

So if you’re feeling like days are a little chaotic, know this: starting small, with a gentle routine, can bring big changes—not just in your child’s learning, but in your family’s overall sense of calm and connection.

Our 1:1 consultations can be used to review and look at your daily routines - what is working and what can be changed for the better and more importantly, how you can achieve it. Sometimes a helpful ear and and someone to sound board with makes a world of difference!

Look at our range of services and see how we can support you..

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Reference:

Selman, K. S., & Dilworth‐Bart, J. E. (2023). Family routines and children’s development: A review of recent literature. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 15(2), 294–310. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12549