Routines help children cooperate. This is because family routines make it clear who should do what, when, in what order and how often. A routine can also help you plan for times when children are likely to behave in challenging ways, like school mornings when there are time pressures on your child and you. In this situation, a routine helps children know what to expect. You can also build routines for young children around play, meals and sleep. When children have had enough good-quality sleep, nutritious food and plenty of play, they’re more likely to behave in positive ways.