A picture routine chart shows your child what happens in the morning and at night, and in what order. Print two free charts: a morning routine and a bedtime routine. Every step has its own picture, so the chart works for a child who doesn't read yet.
On your phone? Save the PDF and print it later.
Morning routine chart
The morning steps: wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush my hair, put on my shoes and grab my backpack. Every day of the week has its own box for a check mark or a sticker.
Bedtime routine chart
The evening steps: wash up, put on pajamas, brush my teeth, drink some water, bedtime story, teddy in bed and lights out. The bedtime story is there on purpose: for a lot of kids, it's the best part of the evening.
How to start using the chart
- Go through the chart together. Let your child say which step is the easiest.
- Put the morning chart in the hallway or bathroom and the bedtime chart in your child's room.
- Your child checks off each step. You only ask: "What's next on the chart?"
- Once the steps run smoothly, you can drop the stickers. The chart can stay on the wall as a reminder.
Why do routines with pictures work?
When the order is always the same, your child doesn't have to guess the next step. A picture is quicker than a reminder from an adult, and your child gets to do the steps on their own. More on routines: Why routines stick when kids own them
For a reward after a good week, try a reward chart. More printables: Free printables for kids
For parents
Ayaka is a Finnish multivitamin for children over 3. Your child decorates their own jar, so the vitamin moment becomes their own thing. A refill comes through the letterbox once a month. See the starter pack
