Daily Schedule for Toddlers
Toddlers really do better on schedules. Adjusting to the schedule is the problem you run up against. A schedule helps a toddler feel safe and promotes developing self-discipline. This self-discipline will allow your toddler to better adjust to other changes that may arise in your household. It also gives busy moms the time they need to take care of other obligations or take a much-needed break.
6 Tips for Setting Schedules
Here are 6 tips that will help get your toddler well on his or her way to developing and maintaining a schedule.
1. Establish consistent patterns with daily routines - waking up and going to bed
2. Turn activities your toddler struggles with in to daily routines - toys in the bath at bath time
3. Allow a portion of the day to be set aside for your toddler's favorite activity - this teaches patience and gets them to finish other tasks
4. Engage in activities that stimulate their physical and creative abilities - enables better sleep patterns.
5. Eat meals together at the same time every day - this signals different activities during the day and your toddler becomes accustomed to eating at certain times
6. Change any daily routines as gradually as possible when necessary - change all at once can be stressful on a toddler
Of course, your toddler will have his or her own set of "priority" activities in mind as well. Favorite shows on television, a favorite play pal at the park, a beloved stuffed animal, and so on. As the parent, you will have to determine what is important and when. Growing up entails boundaries and being able to accept unexpected changes.
Variety
The older your toddler becomes, naptimes will shorten and some may even disappear entirely. This means extra time on both of your hands. Introduce different and various activities that spark your child's imagination and reasoning skills.
Take them to the library and have them pick out books that attract their attention. Toddlers are very creative and love bright colors; have them draw with crayons and even print their name out so they can practice.
Give them an activity that evolves over time. Plant seeds indoors that he or she can water and watch grow. Have them create objects with cardboard boxes; say a fort. Then, a day or two later, have them paint the fort. Supply some clothing so they can create a costume to use and put on a play using the fort as a backdrop for friends, family, or even their favorite dolls.
Take them to a different park to play in or walk down a different street. Point out the differences and similarities.
Enjoy Them
Nothing lasts forever, including your child's toddlerhood. They will be out of the house and off to school before you realize it. Take plenty of pictures to memorialize this time in their life, and yours too. Create projects together and date them; paintings or simple pottery objects. You will both look back on these times fondly.