The morning can often be the most chaotic time of day for kids and the household; preschoolers may still be tired, but there are time constraints to adhere to. Washing up first thing in the morning is ideal, but some young children are frightened of showers and baths can be time-consuming. Breakfast is the next best way to get sleepy children active. Preschoolers should be encouraged to assist as much as is appropriate for their age, such as setting out the plates. After breakfast some help with tidying up encourages good habits, and then some basic hygiene and grooming practices should be performed such as brushing hair, washing hands and face, and brushing teeth. After that the child can get dressed and make final preparations for pre-school, if they attend.
For preschoolers play is a big part of their lives, but this should be balanced out with the responsibilities of chores. Whether it's after daycare or at home anytime during the day, a set routine of chores encourages responsibility and the idea that the more pleasant things in life require some work. It may be tidying their room, putting away their toys, their bikes, making the bed or setting the table for the evening meal. Some form of chore routine establishes the first notions of the work ethic.
Dinner time is a routine yet significant part of family life, and some form of routine here will help preschoolers cope with the entire process. Towards the end of the day they are starting to tire, so some form of routine helps keep them disciplined and orderly. Basic hygiene, such as the washing of hands, should be encouraged. Help with the setting of the table is a good way to encourage involvement. Where possible, children should be encouraged to sit at the table in an orderly fashion and adhere to basic table manners. After dinner they should ask to be excused or help with some form of the cleaning up.
Bedtime is an important time for rules and routines to be followed. A bedtime should be firmly established and adhered to and the routine should bear this in mind. A bath or shower is ideal and then pajamas can be put on. Brushing of teeth is always a good habit and then the child will be greatly comforted if they know Mom or Dad or both will be reading to them in bed. A kiss and a hug before tucking in is the final loving reassurance before lights out, or allowing them to do some reading on their own.