Do You Make These Mistakes In
Your Schedule For Toddlers?

How to begin setting a schedule:

1. Watch your child, and build the schedule around them. Every toddler is different and will require different needs. For example, if you notice he's hungry each morning at 8 a.m., each afternoon at 12:30 p.m. and each evening at 6 p.m., feed her at these times every day. Be consistent with these times.
2. Establish a "settle down" routine for before naps and begin the routine at the same time each day. For example, if he has a nap each afternoon at 1 p.m., read him a story, give a snack beginning at 12:30 p.m. Have a similar bathing routine as well before bedtime at night.
3. Plan activities each day. Toddlers can grow bored easily. Allow them to get exercise and to explore. This also will do wonders to enhance their development.
4. Set aside at least a half an hour each day at the same time for "quiet time", such as reading or putting together a puzzle. It is important that your child learns the discipline to be still and quiet. There is a time for each.
5. Fit some time for yourself into your toddler's schedule. If you are a stay-at-home parent and need to get some work done around the house each day, enlist your toddler's help with sorting clothes or sweeping. These activities are fun for toddlers.
6. Create a night-time routine that is similar to the pre-nap routine and stick with it. Toddlers who have a consistent before-bed routine fall asleep easier and sleep longer than toddlers who don't. Start the routine after dinner time and begin the whole process of settle down time.

Why is it important to begin a schedule for toddlers?

There are endless reasons why it is critical to begin a routine. Keep in mind, that when your infant turns 6 months old they should be already be on a routine. When they enter the toddler phase they will need to be "rescheduled". Your current schedule may need to be restructured. It will help out immensely if they were already on a set schedule as a baby.

My son was never on a schedule as an infant and it was rough. My next child, I will not make the same mistake twice. LOL... I realized how important it was for him, and his little body needed the consistency. You are doing your child an injustice by not putting them on a set schedule.

Answers why it is important to begin a schedule for toddlers:

Eliminates Tantrums.

Believe it or not yes. The number one cause for toddler tantrums is tiredness. Now a schedule does not solve all tantrums..:0) You do want your child to be fully rested. As adults we can be grumpy when we are sleepy so can you imagine your little child? They feel the same way.

Helps Development.

Kids need a variety of elements throughout their day. Different activities, healthy snacks and meals. By creating a schedule for toddlers you are planning out their day. This is critical to their development.

Schedules Form Structure and Balance.

By being put on a schedule children learn structure and balance. Through quiet times and bedtime routines they will learn self control. A routine is the foundation to this crucial element.

Better Health.

Your toddler will be healthier. Eating, sleeping and exercise are key factors to successful healthy children. By being on a routine they will be getting the proper amount of each, which will be promoting good health.

Makes Better Parents

A schedule will help you as well parents. It gives you the "wind down" time to look forward to. We need this as well to be the best parents we can be. I am a big advocate for this. Especially if you are a Stay At Home Mom, Work From Home Mom and have multiple children at home. This helps your day as well.

If your child is not on a schedule yet then it is not too late to begin. Children need the discipline and balance in their lives. You are giving them a great gift by using a schedule for toddlers. I wish you well and your child will thank you for this later in life. The benefits will be amazing!

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