How to Create a Daily Schedule for Kids

Creating a daily schedule for kids helps build consistency, reduce meltdowns, and support smoother transitions throughout the day. When kids know what to expect next—whether it’s brushing their teeth, doing homework, or getting ready for bed—they’re more likely to cooperate and feel in control.

Here’s what Goally recommends:

• Visual schedules help kids understand what’s next and reduce anxiety around transitions.
• Gamified routines make daily tasks like brushing teeth or getting dressed more engaging.
• Built-in rewards (like screen time or stickers) help motivate kids to stick with routines.
• Customizable tasks let you build age-appropriate schedules that grow with your child.
• Visual schedules foster independence by giving kids ownership over their own daily routines.

How To Get Kids Interested in Schedules

We’ll be honest: when you go to your kids with a schedule, there’s a very good chance they’ll be resistant to it. Schedules are seen as boring, adult things, so your children might not be interested in learning about them at all.

To help you out, here are some ways to get your kids interested in daily schedules.

Gamify the Experience

Gamifying something is to turn it into a game; you can already see how this is much more interesting to children! In fact, studies have shown that gamification can increase retention by 12.23% and overall performance by 7.03%!

Turning tasks into objectives in a game can make your kids more motivated to complete them. Instead of mundane chores, if you present them as objectives with points to be earned, your kid will feel a sense of accomplishment as they rack up those points. They’ll want to collect even more points, which can help keep them on track with their daily schedule!

Give Out Rewards

Gamification can already get your children revved up to check off the tasks on their daily schedule. But you can motivate them even more by giving out rewards for those points they’ve collected!

For example, you can reward your kids with a small toy if they’ve kept up with their daily schedule for a week. Or you can take them on an outing if they’ve kept up for a month.

This process can be difficult to keep up with manually, so we suggest using some tech like Goally. With our device and suite of apps, you can set up a points system (reward sizes and point values) and Goally will take care of the rest!

Let Them Be Independent

As kids grow older, they naturally resist constant instructions and hovering. It’s an essential part of growing up! During this stage, it’s crucial to give them space and encourage their independence.

You might be worried that without some parental control/direction, your kids will run rampant. But the opposite is true! Letting your kiddos be independent shows that you trust them, and they’ll be motivated to show you that trust is well placed.

Using a device like Goally can help your children build their independence skills. Our device will show them what they need to do in their routine and will remind them to get those tasks done through sounds and timers. That way, you won’t have to nag them!

Make Age-Appropriate Schedules for Kids

Creating a daily schedule for kids gets easier when you take into account their age and tailor it accordingly. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to kids’ schedules, and focusing on age-appropriate tasks is essential for their productivity.

Don’t know where to start? Here are some example schedules you can use to learn how to create a daily schedule for kids.

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Daily Schedule Templates for Kids Ages 0-4

At these ages, your little ones won’t be able to process too much, so try and keep the daily routine simple. Here are some tasks you should include:

Time	Activity
7:30am – 8:00am	Wake up
8:00am – 9:00am	Eat breakfast
9:00am – 11:00am	Playtime and exercise
11:00am – 12:00pm	Special activities and errands
12:00pm – 1:00pm	Lunch
1:00pm – 3:00pm	Naptime
3:00pm – 4:30pm	Snack and playtime
4:30pm – 6:00pm	Dinner prep and dinnertime
6:00pm – 7:00pm	Family time
7:00pm – 7:30pm	Bed prep and bedtime

Of course, we all know babies and toddlers can be fussy, so don’t feel too bad about not sticking to the schedule strictly. Also, they won’t be able to independently keep up with the daily schedule, so it’ll be up to you.

Daily Schedule Templates for Kids Ages 4-10

From age 4 on, your kiddo will start showing their personality, as well as some independence. So try and have them follow this schedule, or something similar:

Time	Activity
7:00am – 8:00am	Wake up and eat breakfast
8:00am – 9:00am	Free time
9:00am – 2:30pm	School
2:30pm – 4:00pm	Outside play
4:00pm – 5:00pm	Homework
5:00pm – 6:00pm	Dinner prep and dinnertime
6:00pm – 7:30pm	Family time
7:30pm – 8:00pm	Bed prep and bedtime

Daily Schedule Templates for Kids Ages 11-16

As preteens and teenagers, your kids will definitely want to be independent. Don’t try to force a schedule on them, but instead, encourage them to get into a routine that’ll make them more productive.

A good schedule for this age group looks like this:

Time	Activity
7:00am – 8:00am	Wake up and eat breakfast
9:00am – 2:30pm	School
2:30pm – 5:00pm	Homework and outside play
5:00pm – 6:00pm	Dinner prep and dinnertime
6:00pm – 7:00pm	Family time
7:00pm – 9:30pm	Free time
9:30pm – 10:00pm	Bed prep and bedtime

You’ll notice that there are 2 huge chunks of time for homework, outside play, and free time. You can leave it up to your teen as to when they’ll want to do each activity, depending on their energy levels throughout the day.

Create an Effective and Fun Daily Schedule for Kids

A daily schedule for kids is essential to ensure your family gets into a routine and arrives at school on time. Even if you’ve struggled in the past to establish a daily routine, don’t lose hope. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll successfully get your children on a consistent schedule, ensuring they are punctually attending school and other appointments.

Helpful Resources

• Parents
• KidsHealth
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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FAQs About Daily Schedule for Kids

Why is a daily schedule important for special needs kids?
A daily schedule can help provide structure and routine for special needs kids, which can be very beneficial for their development and wellbeing. It can also help them feel more in control and reduce anxiety.

What should be included in a daily schedule for special needs kids?
A daily schedule for special needs kids should include regular activities such as meals, playtime, therapy sessions, and school work. It's also important to factor in any sensory needs, such as quiet time or time for movement breaks.

How can parents or caregivers create a daily schedule for special needs kids?
To create a daily schedule for special needs kids, parents or caregivers should first assess the child's needs and preferences. They can then use a visual schedule or planner to outline the day's activities and set clear expectations.

What are some tips for sticking to a daily schedule with special needs kids?
To stick to a daily schedule with special needs kids, it's important to be consistent and flexible. It's also helpful to involve the child in creating the schedule and to build in breaks or downtime as needed.

How can a daily schedule benefit the whole family?
A daily schedule can benefit the whole family by reducing stress and chaos, improving communication, and promoting a sense of teamwork and collaboration. It can also help parents or caregivers feel more organized and in control of their day.