⬅︎ Parenting Tips

💡 Involve your child in co-creating their routine—when kids plan it, they’re more likely to follow it.

✅ Benefits of Co-Creating Routines with Kids

• Builds ownership and reduces power struggles

• Encourages problem-solving and decision-making

• Increases cooperation and motivation to stick to the plan

• Teaches time management and personal responsibility

• Strengthens the parent-child relationship through teamwork

🧠 What Research Says

Children crave autonomy—but within a safe structure. When they help design that structure, they feel empowered, not controlled. It flips the script: instead of “I have to,” they think “I chose to.”

This taps into what's called intrinsic motivation—the desire to do something because it feels meaningful or self-directed. Kids are far more likely to follow routines they helped create than ones handed down like royal decrees.

Plus, co-creating routines fosters executive functioning skills. Kids learn to break tasks into steps, estimate time, and balance responsibilities—life tools that go far beyond brushing their teeth or packing a bag.

And let’s be real: you’ll still guide the process. But letting your child help decide whether homework comes before or after snack? That’s gold for their confidence—and your peace of mind.

📖 A Parenting Anecdote

In Gurugram’s high-rise jungle of skywalks and smoothie bars, eleven-year-old Priya, was a master negotiator. Every morning, her mom Tanvi felt like a UN diplomat just to get breakfast eaten, shoes worn, and bags packed.

Finally, one weekend, Tanvi called a “Family Routine Council.” 

She printed a blank schedule grid and sat down with Priya and her younger brother Kabir.

“Okay team,” she said, “let’s plan our ideal school day. You get to choose the order—as long as everything gets done.”

Priya’s eyes lit up. Kabir immediately added “chocolate milk before brushing,” which was gently vetoed. But overall, it worked. They debated, laughed, and moved things around. Tanvi offered guardrails, but the kids led the design.

By Monday, the new “Priya & Kabir Morning Map” was taped to the fridge. Priya stuck to her chosen sequence with pride. Kabir still needed reminders, but now it was, “Oops, I’m off the map!” instead of tears.

Tanvi noticed the shift almost instantly: less resistance, fewer reminders, and a sense of ownership radiating from both kids. And for the first time in years, mornings felt less like a battlefield and more like a family production—with the kids as happy co-directors.

💬 Final Thought

When kids help plan, they help commit ! 

Routines aren’t just schedules—they’re little life blueprints. And when those blueprints include your child’s voice, they become powerful, practical, and full of heart.

Sit down with your child this weekend and design one part of your day together. You’ll be amazed how eager they are to follow a plan they helped build. 🗺️