Every morning, my dog has a routine: She jumps on my bed to wake me up. Then she goes to where her friend the cat sleeps and makes sure she is up. Then she comes back to my bed and licks my hand. All of this convinces me it is time to get up and get ready to feed her.

Her routine is predictable; she knows what comes first and what comes last. This routine gives her comfort and confidence in how her day is going.

If a dog can establish a routine so can your child. You just need to help him.

Routines are a way of building your child’s sense of independence and self-confidence. A daily routine can lower his feelings of anxiety about what happens next. Knowing what to expect helps him plan ahead and look forward to what the day holds. His daily routines help give him the feeling he is accomplishing something he wanted to accomplish.

Routines are especially important when school begins. This is a change from summer to getting up at an earlier time and getting ready to go to school.

Part of this routine is picking out what he will wear the next day so things are ready for him. When he has this routine down pat, life is easier.

When your child regularly makes his bed when he gets up, it takes less reminding him to do it. Even small things like the routine of brushing his teeth become easier. Other routines like taking his plate to the sink after he eats or feeding the dog become more automatic.

Developing a routine is a way your child becomes comfortable with the expectations you have for him and the ones he has for himself. His routine might include the time he goes to bed, the time he wakes up, the approximate time for meals, and general activities between meal and sleep time such as play time, quiet time, or reading together time. No perfect routine exists for all families.

Each home is different and what routines you have will be different. You need to figure out what works for your family (see childrens.com/health-wellness/how-to-create-a-daily-routine-for-kids).

Having a routine doesn’t mean your child has planned activity for every minute of the day. Some unstructured time when your child can pick an activity for himself is important. Giving him choices he can also choose to do like going to the YMCA or the library can be helpful for you and fun for your child.

Give some rewards when your child begins to set some new routine goals. An ice cream cone is plenty but make sure he sees the connection between your positive response and his progress.

As you begin this process, remember my dog. If a dog or a cat can establish a regular routine, certainly you can do it, too. It starts with your encouragement.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters.