By Mrs. Humaira Khan
Founder & Director, Creative Minds Preschool, Balarpur
To adults, childhood may appear to be a world of play and simplicity. But for a small child, that world is full of new experiences, strange environments, and moments of emotional uncertainty — especially when they step away from the comfort of home into the structured setting of a preschool.
In this delicate transition, one tool has consistently proven to be effective — not just for the child, but also for the parents and teachers guiding them: a consistent daily routine.
Routine: Not About Rules, But About Reassurance
In both rural and urban Indian households, today’s parents are balancing increasing demands on time with the emotional needs of their children. It’s not easy. That’s why routines are more than just schedules — they are emotional anchors for young children.
A well-paced routine tells a child:
“You are safe. You know what comes next. The world is predictable.”
As noted developmental psychologist Erik Erikson said:
“Positive early experiences form the foundation of identity. And routine is the structure that allows those experiences to take root.”
How Routine Builds Inner Strength
At our preschool, I’ve seen many children who were anxious on Day 1 turn into cheerful, confident participants within a few weeks. Why? Because they begin to recognize patterns:
(a) Now it’s circle time.
(b) After snacks, Mummy will come.
According to UNICEF’s 2021 report on early childhood:
(a) Children with predictable routines show 40% better emotional regulation
(b) They also exhibit stronger language, sleep, and learning behaviors
Routine does not make a child robotic. On the contrary, it frees up emotional energy by reducing anxiety — allowing children to focus on learning, friendships, and exploration.
What Parents Can Do at Home
The most powerful routines are the ones shared between school and home. Here are a few gentle practices that help children feel in control of their day:
(a) Begin each morning with a calm ritual: a smile, a small hug, or their favorite breakfast.
(b) Use visual daily charts for younger children (with images of brushing, eating, school, nap).
(c) Limit screen time, and replace it with stories, puzzles, or outdoor play.
(d) Most importantly — stay flexible. Routines should guide, not restrict.
When School and Home Work Together
At Creative Minds Preschool, we honor each child’s unique pace. Our school routine is not enforced with pressure, but offered with rhythm, love, and creativity. Children know when to expect fun, when to rest, and when to reunite with their family — and this predictability builds not just behavior, but deep emotional wellbeing.
In Conclusion…
Childhood doesn’t last forever — but the habits and emotional anchors we create during these years last a lifetime.
A daily routine may not seem like magic — but with love, consistency, and empathy, it becomes a magical framework that empowers children to step into the world with calm confidence.
About the Author:
Mrs. Humaira Khan is the founder and director of Creative Minds Preschool in Balarpur, where she has spent over a decade championing early childhood development rooted in empathy, structure, and play-based learning.
