RoutineKitPrintable routine chart for kids, made from pictures
Pick the pictures, put them in order, print it for the fridge. Built for children aged 2 to 8 who can't read a list yet but can follow a row of pictures.
Look & print settings
Wake up
Use the toilet
Get dressed
Eat breakfast
Brush teeth
Brush hair
Put on shoes
Grab backpack
In the print dialog choose Save as PDF for a file, and turn on Background graphics to keep the colours. Your chart saves automatically in this browser.
Stuck on the steps? Describe your child's situation
The routine helper suggests age-appropriate picture steps you can drop straight into this chart. It only runs when you press the button.
Pick a chart for the part of the day that's hard
Morning
Bedtime
Daily
Toddler
Visual schedule
Chore chart
Reward chart
Potty training
First–then boardWhy pictures work for young children
A two-year-old can't read “brush teeth”, but they recognise a toothbrush instantly. A picture chart turns a routine you have to repeat every morning into something your child can check for themselves. That shifts the reminder away from you, which is often what ends the tug-of-war.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren.org advice to parents stresses predictable daily routines as a source of security for young children. The CDC’s positive parenting tips for toddlers and preschoolers make the same point about clear, consistent expectations. A chart is simply a routine you can see.
For children who find transitions hard, including many autistic children, visual schedules are one of the most widely used supports; see our visual schedule maker.
Make one that actually gets used
- Build it with your child. Let them choose a picture or two and the colour. Ownership helps.
- Keep it short. Fewer, bigger pictures beat a long list for under-fives.
- Hang it at their eye level where the routine happens: the bathroom mirror, the bedroom door, by the shoes.
- Laminate or use a sheet protector so a dry-erase marker can tick steps off every day.
- Point, don't tell. Refer to the chart instead of repeating instructions. See how to fade your prompts.
What the maker does
130+ pictures for hygiene, dressing, meals, school, play, chores and feelings, plus your own photos.
Three layouts: a picture grid, a tick-box checklist, or cut-out cards for a Velcro strip.
Kid tap mode: put a tablet on the counter and let your child tap each picture into the “done” pocket.
Routine helper: describe your child and the sticking point, and get suggested steps to start from.
Questions parents ask
Is RoutineKit really free?
Yes. Every chart, every picture and the PDF export are free, with no account, no email and no watermark.
How do I make a PDF of my routine chart?
Press “Print or save PDF”, then choose “Save as PDF” as the printer. Turn on “Background graphics” in the print options so the colours come out.
What age is a picture routine chart for?
Picture charts work best from about age 2, when children start following simple one-step directions, up to 7 or 8, when many children can use a written checklist instead. Turn off words for pre-readers or keep them on to build early reading.
How many steps should a routine chart have?
As a general suggestion, 3–5 steps for a two- or three-year-old and up to about 8–10 for school-age children. If a routine is longer, split it into two charts, such as “getting ready” and “out the door”.
Can I use my own photos?
Yes. Tap any picture, then “Use your own photo”. Photos of your child doing the actual step are very effective for toddlers. Photos stay in your browser and are never uploaded.
Where are my charts saved?
In your browser’s local storage on this device. Nothing is sent to a server. Use “Save copy” to keep several charts, and “Copy share link” to move a chart to another device (without your photos).