Routine Charts for Kids: Easier Mornings and Bedtimes (Free Printable Maker)

If your mornings sound like a loop of “shoes on, please” and “did you brush your teeth?”, a routine chart can help. A picture chart shows your child every step in order, so they can check what comes next themselves, and you get to say “check your chart” instead of repeating the whole list.

Make one in a minute: our free Routine Chart Maker puts your child's name at the top, lets you pick the steps, and prints on US Letter or A4.

Why picture charts work

  • Kids can read pictures before they read words. A toothbrush or a pair of shoes is enough of a reminder.
  • The order stays the same every day. Doing the steps in the same order turns them into habit.
  • Ticking things off feels good. A box to tick or a star to color gives a small win at every step.
  • It moves the reminding to the chart. Pointing at the chart is calmer than nagging, for both of you.

How many steps for each age?

  • Ages 2 to 3: 3 or 4 steps, with you doing them together.
  • Ages 4 to 6: 5 or 6 steps. Most kids this age can follow a picture chart with a little help.
  • Ages 7 to 10: up to 8 steps, including jobs like packing their own bag.

Start small. You can always print a longer chart once the first steps stick.

Example routines

Morning routine

  1. Wake up
  2. Use the toilet
  3. Brush my teeth
  4. Get dressed
  5. Make my bed
  6. Eat breakfast
  7. Put on shoes
  8. Pack my bag

After school routine

  1. Wash my hands
  2. Empty my lunch box
  3. Have a snack
  4. Homework
  5. Read a book
  6. Play outside

Bedtime routine

  1. Take a bath
  2. Put on pajamas
  3. Brush my teeth
  4. Use the toilet
  5. Story time
  6. Hugs and kisses
  7. Lights out

Tips to make it stick

  • Make it together. Let your child choose a step or two, or add their own (feed the cat, water the plant).
  • Hang it at their eye level, where the routine happens: by the bathroom sink, the front door or their bed.
  • Laminate it or slip it in a sheet protector and tick the boxes with a dry-erase marker, so it lasts all year.
  • Practice on a calm day before you rely on it on a busy school morning.
  • Notice the effort. “You did your whole bedtime chart!” goes a long way.
  • Try the week tracker for kids who like to see a full week of ticks add up.

Make your free chart

Open the Routine Chart Maker, type your child's name, pick morning, after school or bedtime, choose the steps and print. No sign-up needed.

Looking for more screen-free ideas? Make a name tracing page in the Name Studio or get 3 free activity pages.