Going Bigger on Routines with Your Little: Fresh Starts & Big Kid Beginnings

January has a way of making everything feel brand new. The calendar flips, the decorations come down, and suddenly we’re all ready for a little reset. Especially parents of busy, growing littles.

After the excitement (and chaos!) of the holidays, routines can feel a little… wobbly. Bedtimes shift, schedules change, and snack time might have turned into “whenever cookies appear.” That’s okay. A new year is the perfect opportunity to gently bring structure back into your days and help your little step into their next big kid chapter.

This month, we’re all about going bigger on routines! And cheering on the fresh starts that help kids feel confident, secure, and ready to grow.

Why Routines Matter So Much

Kids thrive on consistency. Knowing what comes next helps them feel safe, calm, and in control. Routines don’t have to be rigid or perfect. They just need to be predictable.

Simple daily rhythms like:

• Waking up around the same time

• Regular mealtimes

• A consistent bedtime routine

• Set potty breaks

• A calm wind-down at the end of the day

…create a foundation that makes everything from learning to listening a little easier.

And January is the perfect time to rebuild those rhythm.  One small step at a time!

Fresh Starts, Big Kid Energy

The beginning of the year is a natural milestone moment. Many families find themselves ready to tackle new goals with their little ones. Like moving out of diapers, mastering handwashing, or starting new routines at daycare or preschool.

That’s where the idea of big kid beginnings comes in.

Whether your child is learning to brush their teeth on their own, helping put away toys, or taking their first steps toward potty training, January is a great moment to say:

“Okay, let’s try something new together.”

Not with pressure. Not with perfection.
Just with encouragement.

Building a Potty Training Routine

If potty training is on your family’s radar this year, routines are your secret weapon.

Potty training isn’t just one big moment,  it’s a series of small, everyday habits that add up over time. Creating simple, repeatable patterns helps your little understand what to expect.

Try building potty time into natural parts of the day:

• Right after waking up

• Before leaving the house

• After meals

• Before bath time

• Before bed

Making these moments part of your routine (instead of random or rushed) can take the pressure off both you and your child.

And remember: progress isn’t always a straight line. Some days will feel like huge wins. Other days might feel like… a lot of laundry. Both are normal.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s confidence.

Simple Ways to Reset Routines in January

Not sure where to begin? Start small. Here are a few gentle ideas:

1. Rebuild Bedtime

Bring back calming rituals like a warm bath, a favorite story, and a consistent tuck-in time. Predictable nights make for smoother mornings.

2. Create Morning Flow

Lay out clothes the night before, plan easy breakfasts, and give your little simple “jobs” like packing their backpack or helping feed the pet.

3. Make Potty Breaks Predictable

Use visual cues like timers, charts, or songs to remind your child when it’s time to try.

4. Celebrate the Try

Big routines are built on tiny efforts. Cheer on every attempt! Whether it ends in success or just a brave try.

5. Keep It Fun

Routines don’t have to be boring. Add dance breaks, silly songs, and lots of high fives.

A Gentle Reminder for Parents

Fresh starts aren’t just for kids — they’re for parents too.

If the past few months have felt overwhelming, January is a chance to reset your expectations as well. You don’t need a color-coded schedule or a perfectly planned day.

You just need a little consistency, a little patience, and a lot of grace.

And when it comes to potty training, routines, or any new milestone, remember:

You and your little are learning together.

Here’s to a Year of Big Kid Wins

This January, we’re cheering on every fresh start! From earlier bedtimes to brave potty tries to mornings that feel just a little smoother.

Big kid beginnings don’t happen overnight.
They happen one routine, one try, and one confident moment at a time.

And we’ll be here celebrating all of it with you.