Studies have shown the importance of routines for both adults and kids alike. Routines bring comfort, predictability, and stability. Some kids thrive when they know what’s coming next. It’s helpful as moms to get some time alone to think clearly and really be able to plan out your days and weeks, but sometimes it can be helpful to bring in your kids into the planning process. It can help reduce resistance to structure when they can see the importance of planning, and watching an idea and plan come to fruition all the way from the start of thinking about it. It can also be a valuable way to let your kids know they are important when you’re considering the plans you make for you and for them!
Benefits of Including Kids in Planning
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Teaches time awareness and responsibility
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Reduces morning chaos and bedtime struggles
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Builds emotional regulation and decision-making skills
Simple Ways to Involve Your Kids
Toddlers (ages 2-4): Have sticker days for bed-making, teeth brushing, fun activities, and more. Let them be the ones to place the sticker where it goes for something special coming up like “library day” or “grandma visits.” They could even have their own designated spot in your momAgenda Day Planner. Take it a step further and give them their own page from one of your notebooks so they can plan alongside you.
Preschoolers (ages 4-7): Have visual morning/evening routines and allow them to help prep lunches for the next day. You can even have them pack their own activity bag or backpack based on a simple checklist you write together.
Older kids: Check the weekly schedule together, planning activities, packing checklists.
Tools to Help
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Routine charts with pictures or magnets to go with your planner
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Use color-coding in your family planner for each child
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Give them their own set of stickers, washi tape or stamps they can use to mark days
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For older kids, create a dry-erase weekly board they can fill out with help
You really don’t need fancy systems—just consistent cues and inclusion!
