How to Create Family Routines: Transform Children's Mental Health

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How to Create Family Routines: Transform Children’s Mental Health

When my son was three months old, I was deep in the fog of postpartum depression. Moreover, even as a tiny baby, he seemed to sense my internal chaos; he had difficulty settling, irregular sleep patterns, and a fussiness that felt overwhelming for both of us. Furthermore, as someone with a psychology background and currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work, I knew there had to be evidence-based solutions that could help both of us heal together. That’s when I discovered the transformative power of family routines.

First, as survival tools during my son’s infancy, and later as foundational structures that continued to serve us as he grew into toddlerhood. Subsequently, everything changed, not overnight, but gradually and profoundly. The predictable structure we created didn’t just help my baby develop better sleep and feeding patterns; additionally, it became the foundation for my own mental health recovery and our growing bond. In fact, the simple act of establishing consistent daily rhythms helped us both find security in a world that had felt completely unpredictable.

If you’re struggling with your child’s emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, or your own parental stress, family routines might be the missing piece you’ve been searching for. Research consistently shows that predictable family structures support children’s mental health while simultaneously reducing parental burnout. Therefore, this comprehensive guide will walk you through creating simple, sustainable routines that transform both your children’s mental health and your family’s overall harmony.

The Science Behind Family Routines and Children’s Mental Health

As a psychology graduate, I’ve learned that understanding the “why” behind strategies makes them significantly more powerful. Consequently, let’s explore what research tells us about family routines and children’s mental health development.

How Predictability Shapes the Developing Brain

Children’s brains are constantly seeking patterns to make sense of their world. Furthermore, when daily life feels chaotic or unpredictable, their nervous systems remain in a heightened state of alert. This chronic stress response interferes with healthy brain development, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation and executive functioning(Evans et al., 2010).

However, family routines provide the predictable framework that allows children’s nervous systems to relax and focus on growth rather than survival. Additionally, recent neuroscience research shows that consistent daily rhythms help regulate cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, in both children and parents (DeCaro & Worthman, 2011).

The Research That Changed My Perspective

A comprehensive 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Family Theory & Review analyzed 170 studies on routines and child development. The findings were remarkable: family routines were associated with positive outcomes across multiple domains, including cognitive development, self-regulation, social-emotional skills, academic achievement, and overall mental and physical health(Selman et al., 2024).

Even more compelling, the research showed that routines provide particularly powerful protection for children in high-risk environments. Therefore, families facing challenges like parental mental health struggles, financial stress, or major life transitions benefit most from implementing consistent daily structures (Fiese et al., 2006).

During my own battle with postpartum depression during my son’s first year and a half, this research gave me hope. Moreover, it provided a concrete tool I could use even when my energy and emotional resources felt completely depleted.

Why Family Routines Support Emotional Regulation

Children develop emotional regulation skills through co-regulation with their caregivers. However, when parents are struggling with mental health challenges, providing that steady emotional scaffolding becomes incredibly difficult. Family routines bridge this gap by creating external structure that supports internal emotional development.

For example, a consistent bedtime routine signals to a child’s nervous system that it’s time to wind down, regardless of how stressful the day has been. Similarly, predictable meal times provide regular opportunities for connection and communication, even when parents are functioning at less than 100%.

Understanding Your Child’s Unique Routine Needs

Before diving into specific routine creation, it’s essential to consider your child’s individual temperament, developmental stage, and current challenges. Furthermore, what works beautifully for one family might feel completely overwhelming for another.

Age-Specific Considerations

Toddlers (1-3 years): Need simple, visual routines with lots of repetition. Additionally, they thrive on physical cues like special songs or specific objects that signal transitions.

Preschoolers (3-5 years): Can participate in routine planning and benefit from visual schedule boards. Moreover, they’re developing independence skills that routines can support.

School-age children (6-12 years): Can take ownership of certain routine elements and understand the reasoning behind family structures. Furthermore, they often benefit from routines that balance structure with choices.

Teenagers (13+ years): Need routines that respect their growing autonomy while maintaining family connection points. Additionally, they can be partners in creating family rhythms that work for everyone.

Identifying Your Family’s Priority Areas

Not every family needs comprehensive routines in every area. Instead, start by identifying where your family experiences the most stress or difficulty. Common priority areas include:

Morning transitions (getting ready for school/work)
After-school reconnection (managing the witching hour)
Mealtime structure (reducing battles and increasing connection)
Bedtime consistency (improving sleep for everyone)
Weekend rhythms (balancing rest and activities)

During my postpartum recovery when my son was an infant, our evening routine became my lifeline. Specifically, the predictable sequence of bath, feeding, swaddling, and consistent sleep environment gave me something concrete to focus on during my darkest days. Additionally, it provided my baby with the security he needed while I worked on my own healing.

Creating Your Foundation: Essential Routine Elements

Successful family routines share certain key characteristics that make them both effective and sustainable. Moreover, understanding these foundational elements will help you design routines that actually stick.

The Four Pillars of Effective Family Routines

1. Predictability Without Rigidity Routines should provide structure while allowing for life’s inevitable changes. Therefore, focus on the order of activities rather than exact timing. For instance, “bath, books, bed” is more sustainable than “7:00 bath, 7:30 books, 8:00 bed.”

2. Connection Opportunities The most powerful routines create natural moments for family bonding. Additionally, these connection points help children feel secure and valued, which directly supports their mental health development.

3. Child Participation When children have input into routine creation, they’re more likely to cooperate willingly. Furthermore, participation builds their sense of autonomy and competence, crucial components of mental wellness.

4. Flexibility for Growth Routines should evolve as your family’s needs change. Moreover, what works for a toddler will need adjustment as they become a preschooler, and that’s perfectly normal.

Starting Small: The One-Routine Rule

One of the biggest mistakes families make is trying to implement perfect routines in every area simultaneously. Instead, choose one routine that addresses your family’s biggest pain point and focus exclusively on that for 2-3 weeks.

Morning Routines: Setting Your Family Up for Success

Morning routines can make or break your entire day. Furthermore, they’re often the first opportunity to create positive momentum that carries through everything that follows.

The Psychology of Successful Mornings

Mornings set the emotional tone for your child’s entire day. Additionally, when children start their day feeling rushed, criticized, or stressed, they carry that energy into their other environments. Conversely, peaceful mornings create resilience that helps children navigate later challenges more effectively.

As a military family background taught me, preparation and structure create freedom rather than restriction. Similarly, well-designed morning routines reduce stress by eliminating decision fatigue and last-minute scrambling.

Essential Components of Mental Health-Supporting Morning Routines

Connection Before Correction: Start each day with a positive interaction before addressing any behavioral or practical concerns. For example, this might be a hug, a special greeting song, or simply sitting together while your child wakes up fully.

Predictable Sequence: Establish a consistent order of activities that your child can anticipate and eventually manage independently. Additionally, visual schedules or routine charts can be incredibly helpful, especially for younger children.

Built-in Flexibility: Plan for the reality that some mornings will be harder than others. Therefore, have simplified backup plans for days when you’re running late or someone isn’t feeling well.

Positive Transition Rituals: Create special ways to say goodbye that help your child feel connected to you throughout the day. Furthermore, these rituals provide security for children who struggle with separation anxiety.

Sample Morning Routine Framework

Here’s a framework that has worked well for many families, including my own:

Wake-up connection (5 minutes): Gentle wake-up, hug, brief check-in
Personal care (15-20 minutes): Bathroom, teeth, getting dressed
Breakfast together (15-20 minutes): Shared meal with conversation
Final preparations (10 minutes): Gathering belongings, shoes, jackets
Transition ritual (5 minutes): Special goodbye, affirmation, or blessing

The key is adapting this framework to your family’s specific needs and timeframe. Moreover, remember that consistency in the sequence matters more than strict timing.

Evening Routines: Calming Your Child’s Nervous System

Evening routines are perhaps the most critical for children’s mental health because they directly impact sleep quality, which affects everything from emotional regulation to immune function.

The Science of Wind-Down Routines

Children’s nervous systems need time to transition from the stimulation of daytime activities to the calm required for quality sleep. Furthermore, consistent evening routines trigger the body’s natural production of melatonin and help regulate circadian rhythms.

Research shows that children with consistent bedtime routines fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and wake up more refreshed. Additionally, they demonstrate better emotional regulation and fewer behavioral problems during the day (Mindell et al., 2009).

Creating Calming Evening Rhythms

Start the Wind-Down Early: Begin your evening routine at least one hour before your child’s actual bedtime. Moreover, this allows adequate time for the nervous system to shift into rest mode without rushing.

Reduce Stimulation Gradually: Create a progressive decrease in activity level and sensory input. For instance, this might mean shifting from active play to quiet activities to completely calm interactions.

Incorporate Sensory Regulation: Many children benefit from sensory activities that help organize their nervous systems. Additionally, this might include warm baths, gentle massage, essential oil diffusers, or weighted blankets designed for children.

Build in Connection Time: Use evening routines as opportunities for meaningful one-on-one connection. Furthermore, this might include reading together, sharing daily highlights and challenges, or practicing gratitude.

Sample Evening Routine for Mental Health

Here’s the evening routine that transformed our family’s wellbeing:

Transition warning (30 minutes before): “In 30 minutes, we’ll start getting ready for bed”
Clean-up time (10 minutes): Tidying toys together (builds competence and closure)
Bath or wash-up (15 minutes): Warm water helps nervous system regulation
Quiet activities (15 minutes): Puzzles, coloring, or calm play
Story time (15-20 minutes): Reading together in the child’s bedroom
Connection ritual (5-10 minutes): Gratitude sharing, gentle back rub, or special song
Lights out with a soothing environment

During my postpartum depression, this routine became non-negotiable. Even on my worst days, I could follow these simple steps, and they provided stability for both my son and me.

Mealtime Routines: Nourishing Bodies and Relationships

Family meals offer unique opportunities to support children’s mental health through both nutrition and connection. Moreover, consistent mealtime routines help children develop healthy relationships with food while creating natural conversation opportunities.

The Mental Health Benefits of Family Meals

Research consistently shows that families who eat together regularly have children with better emotional regulation, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of anxiety and depression (Musick & Meier, 2012). Additionally, shared meals provide predictable opportunities for communication and bonding, which are essential for mental wellness.

However, family meals don’t have to be elaborate or perfect. The mental health benefits come from consistency and connection, not gourmet cooking or picture-perfect table settings.

Creating Stress-Free Mealtime Routines

Involve Children in Preparation: When children participate in meal planning and preparation, they’re more likely to try new foods and engage positively during meals. Additionally, cooking together provides sensory experiences and builds competence.

Establish Mealtime Rhythms: Create consistent patterns around meals that signal safety and connection. For example, this might include lighting a candle, saying grace or gratitude, or simply taking three deep breaths together before eating.

Focus on Connection Over Consumption: Use mealtime as an opportunity to connect with your children rather than battling over what or how much they eat. Moreover, positive mealtime associations support both mental health and healthy eating patterns long-term.

Plan for Realistic Expectations: Not every meal will be peaceful or perfectly nutritious, and that’s completely normal. Therefore, focus on overall patterns rather than individual meal perfection.

Sample Mealtime Routine Elements

Preparation together: Simple tasks children can help with, based on age
Technology-free time: Phones and screens away during meals
Conversation starters: Age-appropriate questions that encourage sharing
Gratitude practice: Brief appreciation for food, family, or positive moments
Clean-up cooperation: Everyone contributes to tidying up together

Remember, the goal is creating positive associations with family meals, not adding stress to your day. Therefore, start small and build gradually.

Handling Routine Challenges and Resistance

Every family encounters resistance when implementing new routines. However, this is completely normal and doesn’t mean your routines aren’t working or that you should give up.

Understanding Why Children Resist Routines

Children might resist new routines for several valid reasons:

Need for autonomy: They want some control over their environment
Overwhelm: Too many changes happening too quickly
Temperament: Some children need more time to adapt to changes
Developmental stage: Different ages have different capacities for routine following
Unmet needs: Hunger, tiredness, or emotional needs might interfere

Additionally, during my own mental health recovery, I learned that my son’s resistance often reflected my own inconsistency when I was struggling. Therefore, addressing my own needs helped him accept routines more easily.

Strategies for Reducing Resistance

Start Even Smaller: If your child is resisting a routine, break it down into smaller components. For instance, instead of implementing a full bedtime routine, start with just one element, like reading a story together.

Increase Child Input: Give children choices within the routine structure. Moreover, this might mean choosing between two acceptable options or deciding the order of certain activities.

Use Visual Supports: Visual schedule charts can help children understand expectations and feel more in control of the routine. Additionally, they can check off completed activities, which builds satisfaction and motivation.

Address Underlying Needs: Sometimes routine resistance indicates unmet physical or emotional needs. Therefore, ensure children are getting adequate sleep, nutrition, and connection before expecting routine cooperation.

Stay Consistent and Patient: New routines typically take 21-66 days to become automatic. Furthermore, expect ups and downs during this establishment period, and don’t give up during temporary setbacks.

When Routines Need Adjustment

Successful family routines evolve as your family’s needs change. Additionally, signs that routines might need tweaking include:

Consistent resistance after several weeks of implementation
Changes in family schedule or circumstances
Child developmental changes
Routines feel overly rigid or stressful
Life transitions requiring temporary flexibility

Remember, the goal is supporting your family’s wellbeing, not perfecting a system. Therefore, adjust routines as needed to maintain their mental health benefits.

Special Considerations for Different Family Situations

Every family faces unique circumstances that affect routine implementation. Moreover, understanding how to adapt routine principles to your specific situation increases your success dramatically.

Single-Parent Households

Single parents often feel overwhelmed by the idea of implementing routines, but they can be especially beneficial for providing structure when you’re managing everything alone.

Simplify Everything: Choose routines that you can maintain consistently, even on your hardest days. Additionally, recruit extended family, friends, or older children to help when possible.

Build in Self-Care: Include small self-care moments within family routines. For example, this might mean reading your own book while your child has quiet time, or listening to calming music during cleanup.

Use Technology Strategically: Timer apps or routine reminder systems can help maintain consistency when your mental energy is depleted.

Blended Families and Multiple Households

When children split time between different homes, maintaining some routine consistency can provide crucial stability.

Focus on Portable Elements: Emphasize routine components that can travel between homes, such as bedtime stories, gratitude practices, or special comfort items.

Communicate with Co-Parents: Share routine information that works well, while respecting that different households may have different approaches.

Create House-Specific Traditions: Develop special routines that are unique to your household while maintaining core elements across homes.

Families with Special Needs

Children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other special needs often benefit tremendously from routines, but may need additional support.

Increase Predictability: Use more visual supports, longer transition warnings, and consistent language across routine elements.

Accommodate Sensory Needs: Build in sensory regulation activities, such as weighted lap pads during quiet time or fidget tools during meal conversations.

Work with Professional Teams: Coordinate with therapists, teachers, and medical providers to ensure routines support therapeutic goals.

Supporting Your Own Mental Health Through Family Routines

As someone who has navigated postpartum depression while trying to support my child’s wellbeing, I’ve learned that parent mental health and family routines are deeply interconnected.

How Routines Support Parent Mental Health

Family routines provide structure that can be especially beneficial when you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges:

Reduce Decision Fatigue: Established routines eliminate hundreds of daily decisions, preserving mental energy for more important matters.

Create Predictable Success: Completing routine activities provides a sense of accomplishment and competence, even during difficult mental health periods.

Build Connection: Routine activities create natural opportunities for positive interaction with your children, which supports both their wellbeing and your own.

Provide External Structure: When internal motivation is low, external routine structure can help maintain functioning and stability.

Adapting Routines During Mental Health Struggles

Plan Simplified Versions: Create “bare minimum” versions of your routines for days when your mental health makes normal functioning difficult.

Build in Support: Include other adults in routine activities when possible, whether that’s partners, extended family, or friends.

Practice Self-Compassion: Some days, routines won’t happen perfectly, and that’s completely okay. Moreover, flexibility and self-forgiveness are essential for long-term success.

Use Routines for Self-Care: Include small self-care elements within family routines, such as practicing deep breathing during story time or playing calming music during cleanup.

Technology and Screen Time Within Family Routines

In 2025, managing technology and screen time within family routines requires intentional planning. Moreover, technology can either support or undermine the mental health benefits of family routines, depending on how it’s integrated.

Creating Tech-Free Routine Spaces

Certain routine activities benefit significantly from being technology-free zones:

Meals: Screen-free meals encourage conversation and mindful eating, both of which support mental health.

Bedtime: Removing screens at least one hour before bed improves sleep quality and reduces bedtime resistance.

Morning Connection: Starting the day with face-to-face interaction rather than screens sets a positive emotional tone.

Using Technology to Support Routines

When used thoughtfully, technology can enhance family routines:

Visual Schedule Apps: Digital routine charts can be especially appealing to tech-savvy children.

Music and Audio: Calming playlists, meditation apps, or audiobooks can enhance routine activities.

Connection Tools: Video calls with extended family can become special routine elements, especially for military families or those separated by distance.

Educational Content: Carefully chosen educational videos or apps can be integrated into quiet time or learning-focused routine activities.

Establishing Healthy Screen Boundaries

Create Clear Start and Stop Times: Use visual or auditory cues to signal screen time boundaries within routines.

Choose Content Intentionally: Select media that aligns with your family’s values and supports rather than undermines emotional regulation.

Model Healthy Technology Use: Children learn more from what they observe than what they’re told, so demonstrate balanced screen use yourself.

Measuring Success: How to Know Your Routines Are Working

Understanding whether your family routines are effectively supporting children’s mental health helps you make necessary adjustments and celebrate progress.

Positive Indicators of Successful Routines

Behavioral Changes:

Reduced resistance to daily activities
Improved cooperation during transitions
Fewer meltdowns or emotional outbursts
Increased independence in routine tasks

Emotional Regulation Improvements:

Better ability to calm down after an upset
More positive mood overall
Increased frustration tolerance
Better sleep patterns

Family Relationship Benefits:

More peaceful daily interactions
Increased spontaneous affection or connection
Better communication during routine activities
Reduced family stress levels

Long-term Development:

Improved executive functioning skills
Better time management abilities
Increased sense of security and confidence
Enhanced family identity and belonging

Tracking Progress Without Perfectionism

Focus on Trends Rather Than Daily Perfection: Some days will be harder than others, and that’s completely normal. Additionally, look at overall patterns over weeks rather than individual day success.

Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge improvements, even if they’re smaller than you hoped. Moreover, building on small successes creates momentum for larger changes.

Adjust Expectations Seasonally: Family routines may need modification during illness, major life changes, or developmental transitions, and that’s perfectly appropriate.

When to Make Routine Adjustments

Successful routines evolve with your family’s changing needs. Furthermore, signs that adjustments might be helpful include:

Routines feel forced or overly stressful
Consistent resistance after several weeks of implementation
Changes in family circumstances or schedules
Child developmental changes require different approaches
Loss of the positive benefits you initially experienced

Remember, the goal is supporting your family’s wellbeing, not maintaining rigid systems. Therefore, flexibility and responsiveness to your family’s needs are essential components of successful routine implementation.

Creating Your Family Routine Action Plan

Now that you understand the principles and benefits of family routines, let’s create a concrete action plan for implementation that sets you up for success.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation

Identify Your Family’s Biggest Challenges:

Which daily transitions cause the most stress?
What behaviors would you most like to see improve?
When does your family feel most disconnected or chaotic?

Evaluate Your Resources:

What time and energy do you realistically have available?
Who can support your routine implementation?
What supplies or tools might be helpful?

Consider Your Family’s Unique Factors:

Ages and developmental stages of your children
Work schedules and other commitments
Special needs or circumstances
Current stress levels and mental health status

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point

Based on your assessment, select ONE routine area to focus on first:

High-Impact Options:

Bedtime: Often provides the biggest immediate benefit for sleep and behavior
Morning: Sets the tone for everyone’s entire day
After-school transition: Addresses the challenging “witching hour” period

Quick-Win Options:

Mealtime enhancement: Adding simple connection elements to existing meals
Transition rituals: Creating brief but meaningful routine moments
Weekend morning routine: Lower pressure practice time

Step 3: Design Your Routine

Using the frameworks provided earlier, create a simple routine structure:

List the essential activities that need to happen
Determine a logical sequence that flows naturally
Identify connection opportunities within the routine
Plan for child participation appropriate to their age
Create visual supports if helpful for your family

Step 4: Implementation Strategy

Week 1-2: Introduction Phase

Explain the new routine to family members
Focus on establishing the sequence without perfectionism
Expect resistance and remain patient but consistent

Week 3-4: Refinement Phase

Make minor adjustments based on what’s working and what isn’t
Increase expectations gradually
Celebrate successes and problem-solve challenges together

Week 5-6: Consistency Phase

Maintain the routine even when it feels difficult
Notice and acknowledge improvements in behavior or family dynamics
Begin planning your next routine area if desired

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Challenges

“My child refuses to participate.”

Reduce expectations and simplify the routine
Increase child choice and input
Address any underlying needs (hunger, tiredness, etc.)
Remain consistent while staying flexible about perfection

“I keep forgetting or feeling too overwhelmed.”

Simplify the routine further
Use visual reminders or phone alarms
Recruit family support
Practice self-compassion and start again

“The routine isn’t making a difference.”

Give it more time (habits take 21-66 days to establish)
Evaluate whether the routine addresses your actual priority needs
Consider whether other factors are interfering (stress, major changes, etc.)
Adjust expectations to look for smaller improvements

Resources and Tools for Family Routine Success

Building successful family routines is easier with the right support and tools. Moreover, having these resources readily available increases your likelihood of long-term success.

Your Journey Forward: Embracing Imperfect Progress

As I reflect on our family’s transformation through implementing consistent routines, I’m struck by how profoundly these simple changes impacted both my son’s emotional development and my own mental health recovery. Moreover, the predictable structure we created didn’t just improve our daily functioning, it became the foundation for deeper connection and resilience that continues to serve us today.

Your family’s routine journey will be unique, shaped by your specific circumstances, challenges, and goals. Furthermore, there will be days when routines feel impossible to maintain, and that’s completely normal and acceptable. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating sustainable structures that support your family’s well being over time.

Remember that small, consistent changes create the most lasting transformation. Additionally, the research is clear: family routines provide powerful support for children’s mental health development while simultaneously reducing parental stress and improving family relationships (Yoshikawa et al., 2020).

Taking Your First Step Today

You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment or have everything figured out before beginning. Instead, choose one small routine element that addresses your family’s most pressing need, and start there. Moreover, trust that this simple beginning can grow into the comprehensive support system your family deserves.

As someone who has walked through the darkness of postpartum depression while learning to support my child’s emotional development, I can assure you that family routines offer hope and healing. Furthermore, they provide a concrete way to nurture both your child’s mental health and your own well-being, even during the most challenging seasons.

A guide to transforming your child's mental health

How to create realistic family routines.

How parents can support their child's mental health through routine.

About the Author

Jordan is a psychology graduate currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work, an Air Force Veteran, and mom to a spirited 2-year-old boy. After experiencing postpartum depression and rage following her son’s birth, she became passionate about maternal mental health and creating sustainable self-care practices for mothers.

Through her blog Jordanhallie.com, she shares evidence-based strategies for maternal wellbeing, authentic motherhood stories, and resources that support women through difficult seasons of motherhood. When she’s not studying or chasing her toddler, you’ll find her tending to her indoor plant collection or lost in a good book.

Free Resource for You!

If you enjoyed this post and want to prioritize your mental health, I’ve created a Free Self-Care Workbook for Mothers designed to help you set meaningful self-care goals, create realistic routines, and track your progress. Inside you’ll find:

Daily intentions & affirmations to start each day with clarity and positivity
Morning & night self-care routines that fit into even the busiest schedule
Weekly habit tracker to build consistent habits that support your well-being
SMART goals page to set specific, measurable, achievable goals
Action priority matrix to help you focus on what truly matters
The wheel of life assessment to identify which areas need more self-care
Reflection worksheets to understand your motivation and celebrate wins

Click here to download your free workbook and start creating a sustainable self-care practice that fits your real life.

Follow Jordan Hallie on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more mental health resources and authentic conversations about motherhood.

References

DeCaro, J. A., & Worthman, C. M. (2011). Return to school accompanied by changing associations between child behavior and cortisol. Developmental Psychobiology, 53(1), 85-95.

Evans, G. W., Gonnella, C., Marcynyszyn, L. A., Gentile, L., & Salpekar, N. (2010). The role of chaos in poverty and children’s socioemotional adjustment. Psychological Science, 16(7), 560-565.

Fiese, B. H., Foley, K. P., & Spagnola, M. (2006). Routine and ritual elements in family mealtimes: Contexts for child well‐being and family identity. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 2006(111), 67-89.

Mindell, J. A., Meltzer, L. J., Carskadon, M. A., & Chervin, R. D. (2009). Developmental aspects of sleep hygiene: Findings from the 2004 National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America Poll. Sleep Medicine, 10(7), 771-779.

Musick, K., & Meier, A. (2012). Assessing causality and persistence in associations between family dinners and adolescent well-being. Journal of Marriage and Family, 74(3), 476-493.

Selman, E., Huf, W., Fuchs, M., & Tran, U. S. (2024). Routines and child development: A systematic review. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 16(2), 298-322.

Yoshikawa, H., Wuermli, A. J., Britto, P. R., Dreyer, B., Leckman, J. F., Lye, S. J., … & Stein, A. (2020). Effects of the global coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic on early childhood development: Short-and long-term risks and mitigating program and policy actions. The Journal of Pediatrics, 223, 188-193.