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Dreaming of the day when you can set a daily toddler schedule that helps everyone in your house function?
That day is now, and the time is right! There is no better time than the present to make up a set schedule for your toddler to follow.
If you think it’s just pie in the sky, I can assure you it’s not.
Kids are a lot like adults. They thrive and grow when some structure is involved.
This means that by setting a few boundaries and actions, you can create an atmosphere for your toddler that will instill the importance of organization and planning from a very young age.
“With toddlers around, times are always interesting.”
~ Beth Ann Fennelly
Implementing a Daily Schedule for your Toddler
If you’re ready to learn the basics of implementing a daily schedule for your toddlers, these simple tips can help you accomplish just that.
First, let’s tackle two essential questions every new mom asks.
Yes, you should. If it’s possible to get them outdoors, do so. This will help them build up their immune system naturally while also helping them burn energy.
An hour of activity outdoors a day is a great goal, but even if you can only squeeze in 30 minutes at a time, that is still wonderful.
Get them outdoors during the morning hours when it’s cooler weather-wise and at the end of the day when the heat starts to wear off.
You’ll soon find out from your daily outing that your toddler will be less restless at night and will sleep for longer spurts.
Working naps into your toddler’s daily schedule will also be quite substantial. Their little bodies need time to regroup, re-energize and refocus.
A two-year-old toddler might nap for a couple of hours, so work that into your afternoon schedule accordingly.
If you’re a parent who works from home, this is an excellent period that you can buckle down and get some work done.
Related article about toddlers: 15+ Diaper Bag Essentials for your Toddler’s Busy Day Out
How do I get my toddler on a daily schedule?
This is the million-dollar question!
Having your toddler on a daily schedule sounds fantastic, but do you know what it takes to make it happen?
Luckily, once you filter through all the ways you can easily make a schedule, you’ll find that it’s a simple way of life.
Establishing a Daily Toddler Schedule
What you’ll see below are examples of established daily schedules for toddlers. Please note that these are merely guides and are not one-size-fits-all models for your child.
Undoubtedly, every family, toddler, and daily needs are different and should be treated accordingly.
If you remember, the biggest reason for all these is to set a schedule that allows for structure. It really will help make the whole thing a lot less cumbersome.
Sample Toddler Schedule and Routine Appropriate for Stay-at-Home Moms
- 7:00 a.m – Wake up, go potty and wash hands
- 7:15 a.m – Enjoy breakfast together at the table
- 7:45 a.m – Get dressed for the day, read books
- 8:30 a.m. – Playtime
- 9:45 a.m. – Go potty and wash hands
- 10:00 a.m – Eat a morning snack and have lots of snuggles
- 10:30 a.m – Watch an educational morning show
- 11:00 a.m. – Draw or do crafts
- 11:45 a.m. – Go potty and wash hands
- 12:00 p.m. – Eat lunch
- 12:45 p.m – Head outside to play (or switch this to the morning hours during the hot days)
- 1:45 p.m – Come inside for a quiet time, clean up to get ready for a nap
- 2:00 p.m. – Nap
- 4:00 p.m. – Wake up, go potty, wash hands, have some snacks
- 4:45 p.m. – Time for some physical activities again
- 5:45 p.m. – Watch some educational shows
- 6:45 p.m. – Get ready for supper
- 7:00 p.m. – Suppertime
- 7:30 p.m. – Bedtime routine (bathing, brushing teeth, reading bedtime books, etc.)
- 8:00 p.m. – Sleep
Sample Toddler Schedule Printable PDF for the Stay-at-Home Mom
You can download this Stay-at-Home Mom Daily Toddler Schedule Template free without signing up for my email list. Use this chart as a guide for your toddler routine cards. You decide!
As you can see, this sample toddler schedule is pretty laid out and easy to navigate. I have broken it up into 30-minute to 1-hour sections, but you can do smaller increments of time or more significant ones.
You can even alternate your schedule for every other day, or maybe only have a morning or afternoon schedule altogether!
As much as we want to overanalyze things, when it all comes down to it, having some schedule and structure for the day is better than having no type of structure at all.
Daily Toddler Schedule for Moms Working Office Hours
Tweak this schedule to your liking. Again, be reminded that this is only an example:
- 6:00 a.m. – Wake up, go potty and wash hands
- 6:15 a.m. – Eat breakfast and get dressed for the day
- 6:45 a.m. – Leave for daycare
IMPORTANT NOTE: Ensure the state licenses your toddler’s daycare provider. That way, you will rest assured that your kids are safe knowing their daycare follows state regulations.
- 5:00 p.m. – Head home with mom or dad
- 5:30 p.m. – Go potty, wash hands, and have lots of snuggles
- 6:00 p.m. – Watch some educational shows
- 6:30 p.m. – Get ready for supper
- 7:00 p.m. – Suppertime
- 7:30 p.m. – Bedtime routine (bathing, brushing teeth, reading bedtime books, etc.)
- 8:00 p.m. – Sleep
As simple as this looks, it is never easy. The reason is that your toddler is more independent now and realizes he can do whatever he pleases.
Sample Daily Toddler Schedule and Routine Chart for Working Moms
Related article about toddlers: 7 Enriching Indoor Activities for your Toddlers
Parenting Tips in Creating a Routine for Your Toddler
The hardest part about creating a schedule and sticking to it is overcoming the obstacles that will pop up and derail your success.
Just know that no matter what, this is going to happen.
I firmly believe that keeping an open mind plays a significant factor in accomplishing a thriving toddler schedule that will work regularly.
Remember that you might need to adjust your schedule some days to accommodate a visitor or activities in town that you want to attend as a family.
Be flexible in your schedule
Albeit wanting to keep a solid schedule, being flexible will help you in the long run.
Although having a solid schedule for your toddler is critical, you must be realistic and allow some wiggle room while at it.
This allows you to not be so hard on yourself or your toddler when things don’t go perfectly with your schedule on certain days.
Adjust the schedule as needed
If this year has taught us anything, it’s that life happens and will forever be changing.
Meaning, that even though you might have your schedule set for the day, week, or month, something will eventually happen that will be out of your control and force you to change directions completely.
When this happens, pivot, adjust, and move forward.
If you don’t, you’ll find yourself in what I like to call the “comparison chaos,” where it appears that everyone has their “stuff” together but you. (And we all know that’s not the case!)
Major Takeaway on Daily Toddler Routine and Sample
Always keep in mind two things that you should consider when establishing a daily schedule for your toddler:
- Firstly, be flexible.
- Secondly, adjust as you see fit.
As you can see, setting a daily toddler schedule can be done in a short amount of time.
You will find yourself more proactive and less reactive in planning and preparing for such a plan.
This will also give your child a feeling of routine and calmness, so they know what to expect for the day.
What else would you add to your toddler’s daily schedule?
If you have a valuable trick up your sleeve, leave a comment below.
Please go ahead and share this with your mama friends as well!
Just hang in there, Mama! You got this!
Talk to you soon,
Related article about toddlers: How to Make Long Road Trips Fun for your Toddlers [And Actually Get Through Them]
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