Definition: A family routine is a set of behaviors that is repeated often and that has no symbolic meaning. Little thought goes into family routines once they have been established, and families do not usually reflect back on their routines. Family communication surrounding routines tends to be practical and specific, such as "Time to brush your teeth."
Examples of family routines include mealtime routines, morning wake up routines, bedtime routines and school routines.
Family routines can be contrasted with family rituals, which hold symbolic meaning and weight in a family. Even though family routines lack deeper meaning, they are still highly important to the healthy development of children and to optimal family functioning.
Source:
Fiese, Barbara H., Tomcho, Thomas J., Douglas, Michael, Josephs, Kimberly, Poltrock, Scott, and Baker, Tim. A Review of 50 Years of Research on Naturally Occurring Family Routines and Rituals: Cause for Celebration? Journal of Family Psychology. 2002. 16,4: 381-390.