At what stage of development do children typically start to feel secure due to routines?

Children typically begin to feel secure due to routines during the preschool age. At this stage, which generally ranges from about 3 to 5 years old, children are developing their sense of autonomy and starting to understand the structures within their daily lives. Consistent routines, such as regular meal times, nap times, and activities, help preschoolers establish a sense of predictability and security.

These routines provide them with a framework that contributes to their emotional and social development. When children know what to expect, it enhances their feelings of safety and can reduce anxiety. They often thrive in environments where there are set expectations and familiar activities, which encourage them to explore their surroundings while having a solid base of security.

In contrast, during infancy, while routines are also important, infants may not yet possess the cognitive understanding necessary to interpret these routines as secure structures. Conversely, school-age and adolescent stages build on earlier developmental milestones, with a focus on independence and social interactions, where routines, while still helpful, do not play as central a role in providing the same level of security as they do in preschool-aged children.