The Importance of Family Time & Keeping Kids Informed About Daily Plans
Family life can get busy, and between work, school, activities, and responsibilities, it’s easy to fall into a routine where everyone is doing their own thing. However, setting aside intentional family time and keeping children informed about daily and weekly plans can make a big difference in their emotional security, cooperation, and overall behaviour.
Children feel more secure, confident, and cooperative when they know what to expect. When a child wakes up each day knowing the plan, they feel more in control of their time and are better prepared to transition between activities without stress or resistance.
In this blog, we’ll explore why family time matters, why keeping kids informed about schedules helps them feel more secure, and practical ways to create a structured family plan.
- Why Is Family Time So Important?
Spending quality time as a family isn’t just about being in the same space—it’s about building relationships, creating memories, and ensuring children feel valued and connected.
✔ Benefits of Regular Family Time:
✔ Strengthens family bonds and communication.
✔ Helps children feel safe, supported, and loved.
✔ Encourages cooperation and teamwork in daily activities.
✔ Allows for better emotional regulation, reducing meltdowns.
✔ Gives children a sense of stability in a busy world.
Even simple moments together—like having breakfast, playing a game, or taking a short walk—help children feel connected and reduce emotional stress.
- Why Should Children Be Informed About Daily & Weekly Plans?
Many parents make plans without telling their children, only to face frustration when their child resists, gets overwhelmed, or becomes upset when things don’t go as they expected.
💡 Imagine this:
- You suddenly tell your child right before leaving that they have a doctor’s appointment today.
- You expect them to immediately cooperate and get ready.
- Instead, they become upset, refuse to go, or have a meltdown.
⚠ Why does this happen? Because children feel out of control when plans are sprung on them. They need time to mentally prepare for transitions, just like adults do!
🚀 The Benefits of Informing Kids About Plans
✔ Reduces anxiety and uncertainty—they know what’s coming.
✔ Encourages cooperation—less resistance and fewer meltdowns.
✔ Teaches time management—they learn how to structure their day.
✔ Fosters independence—they can plan ahead and get involved.
When children are involved in knowing the schedule, they feel like active participants in family life rather than just being told what to do at the last minute.
- How to Keep Kids Informed About Family Plans
📅 1. Use a Family Calendar or Daily Planner
Having a visual representation of your daily or weekly plan helps children understand and anticipate what’s coming.
💡 Ways to Do This:
✔ Use a whiteboard calendar in a common area.
✔ Make a picture schedule for younger children.
✔ Let older kids write down their own schedules in a personal planner.
📝 Example:
- Monday: School, playdate at 3 PM, family dinner.
- Tuesday: School, no activities, family movie night.
- Saturday: Park trip at 10 AM, visit grandparents.
💬 2. Talk About the Day’s Plan in the Morning
Start the day by reviewing the schedule together.
💡 How to Do It:
✔ Over breakfast, talk about what’s happening today.
✔ Use simple phrases: “After school today, we’re going to the library before coming home.”
✔ Let kids ask questions so they feel involved.
🔹 Why It Works: Kids are mentally prepared for transitions, so they’re less likely to resist changes.
⏳ 3. Give Warnings Before Transitions
Children struggle with sudden changes. If you’re about to switch from one activity to another, give them a gentle heads-up.
💡 Example:
✔ “In 10 minutes, we’re leaving for the grocery store.”
✔ “After this episode, we’ll start getting ready for bed.”
🔹 Why It Works: Kids feel more in control when they can prepare their minds for change.
🤝 4. Let Kids Have a Say in the Plans
Instead of just telling children what’s happening, allow them to contribute ideas.
💡 How to Involve Them:
✔ During family meetings, ask:
- “What would you like to do this weekend?”
- “Do you want to go to the park in the morning or afternoon?”
✔ Let them choose between options (e.g., “Do you want to help cook dinner or set the table?”).
🔹 Why It Works: Kids feel empowered and valued when their opinions are considered.
🏡 5. Have a Weekly Family Meeting
Set aside one day each week to plan as a family.
💡 What to Discuss:
✔ Plans for the week (school, events, activities).
✔ Any special family time ideas (movie night, picnic, etc.).
✔ Chores and responsibilities.
🔹 Why It Works: Creates routine, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
- What Happens When Kids Are Left Out of Planning?
🚩 More resistance & meltdowns – Sudden surprises feel overwhelming.
🚩 Less cooperation – They don’t feel involved, so they resist participation.
🚩 Increased anxiety – Uncertainty makes them feel out of control.
🚩 Lack of independence – They don’t develop the skill of managing time.
💡 Instead of saying:
❌ “We’re going to grandma’s house right now, get your shoes on!”
✅ Try saying:
✔ “Tomorrow after lunch, we’re going to grandma’s house. Let’s pick out a toy to bring with us.”
🔹 Why It Works: When children know what’s coming, they feel secure and prepared.
- Final Thoughts: Family Time Is About Connection & Cooperation
Children thrive on routine, communication, and a sense of involvement. When they are informed about plans and included in discussions, they feel more secure, confident, and engaged in family life.
🌟 Key Takeaways:
✔ Family time strengthens relationships and emotional security.
✔ Keeping kids informed about daily/weekly plans helps them feel in control.
✔ Visual schedules, morning discussions, and transition warnings improve cooperation.
✔ Letting kids have input in plans makes them more engaged and responsible.
💬 Parents, how do you involve your children in family planning? Do you use calendars, morning talks, or other methods? Let’s share ideas in the comments! 😊
