When school-age kids are out for the summer and classroom themes shift to water days and popsicles, it can be tempting to loosen up the structure of our day. And to some extent—that’s okay! Summer should feel lighter, more playful, and full of joy.
But for young children, predictable routines still matter. A lot.
Why Do Routines Matter?
Children thrive on consistency. Predictable routines help them:
Feel safe and secure in their environment
Understand what’s coming next, reducing anxiety and power struggles
Build independence by learning to anticipate transitions and manage time
Regulate behavior and emotions, especially during busy or overstimulating days
Even a loose summer schedule can offer structure in disguise. Children don’t need rigid timelines—they need predictable patterns.
Here’s how each age group benefits from continued routines in summer:
👶 Infants: Routines support developing sleep patterns, feeding rhythms, and secure attachment. Keeping familiar routines through the summer helps babies feel settled—even as the environment gets busier.
👣 Toddlers & Twos: This age craves both exploration and boundaries. A consistent routine helps toddlers manage transitions and reduce frustration, especially when the world around them feels exciting and unpredictable.
🎨 Preschoolers: With growing independence comes the need for clear expectations. When the daily structure stays steady, preschoolers are better able to self-regulate, focus, and engage in meaningful play—even if the themes are changing weekly.
Practical Summer Tips
Stick to the same arrival, snack, nap, and goodbye routines as much as possible.
Add in summer fun within the routine, rather than replacing it—think sprinkler time after morning snack, or popsicles during your regular outdoor block.
Use visual schedules or daily pictures to help children track what’s happening next, even as special activities pop up.
On “special days”, prepare children for the changes in routine throughout the day.
Let the summer feel different, but keep the rhythm and routines as consistent as possible.
When children know what to expect, they feel more confident, more connected, and more ready to explore all the joy summer has to offer. Hint: Teachers feel more confident, connected and ready to explore, too!
Cheering you on this week!
-Your ECCN team
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