Routines are important because they help children understand the balance between enjoyable and functional tasks. When children have a consistent schedule and daily routine it prepares them for a predictable day and reminds them that they are safe, secure, and loved. For children in child care, it helps with transitions from one activity to another and causes fewer opportunities for meltdowns to occur. Not all routines are the same for each family. What works for one family, may not work for another. While routines are important, it is also good to be flexible and have unscheduled, free time. This helps a child learn to deal with unpredictability and change. ~ Candy Andruzzi, Lead Teacher