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 like the present to make up a set schedule for your toddler to follow.
If you think that it’s just a pie in the sky, I can assure you that it’s not.
Kids are a lot like adults in the way that they thrive and grow when some sort of structure is involved.
This means that by setting a few boundaries and actions into place, 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
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Implementing a Schedule for your Toddler
If you’re ready to learn the basics of implementing a daily toddler schedule, these simple tips can help you accomplish just that.
Firstly, let’s tackle 2 of the major 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 in a natural manner while helping them burn energy too.
You’ll soon find out from your daily outing that your toddler will be less restless at night and will sleep for longer spurts.
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 and at the end of the day when the heat is starting to wear off.
Working naps into your toddler’s daily schedule is going to be quite important as well. This is because their little bodies need time to regroup, re-energize, and refocus.
A toddler who is 2 might take a nap for a couple of hours, so work that into your afternoon schedule accordingly.
If you’re a parent who can work from home, this is a great stretch of time that you can buckle down and get some work done as well.Â
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 amazing, but do you really know what it takes to make it happen?
Luckily, once you start to filter through all the ways that you can easily make a schedule, you’ll find that it’s actually a simple way of life.
Establishing a Daily Toddler Schedule
What you’ll see below are examples of established schedules for your toddler. Please note that these are merely guides and are not one-size-fits-all models for your child.
There is no doubt that every family, toddler, and daily needs are different and should be treated so accordingly.
If you can remember, the biggest reason from all of these is to just set some sort of schedule that allows for structure. It really will help make the whole thing a lot less cumbersome.
A Sample Toddler 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 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
As you can see, the 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 larger as well.
You can even alternate your schedule for every other day, one day a week, or just have a morning or afternoon schedule altogether!
As much as we want to overanalyze things, when it all comes down to it, having some sort of 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: Make sure that your toddler’s daycare provider is licensed by the state. That way you will rest assured that your kids are safe knowing their daycare is following 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. Reason being, your toddler is more independent now and has realized at this point that he can do whatever he pleases.
Related article about toddlers: 7 Enriching Indoor Activities for your Toddlers
Parenting Tips in Creating a Schedule for Your Toddler
The hardest part about creating a schedule and sticking to it is overcoming the obstacles that are going to pop up and try to derail your success.
Just know that no matter what, this is going to happen.
I am a firm believer in the fact that keeping an open mind plays a big factor in accomplishing a thriving toddler schedule that will work on the regular.
Keep in mind that you might need to adjust your schedule some days to accommodate a visitor or some activities going on in town that you would 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 strong schedule for your toddler is key, you do need to be realistic and allow a bit of a 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, 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 as though everyone has their “stuff” together, but you. (And we all know that’s just not the case!)
Major Takeaway on Daily Toddler Schedule
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 the process of planning and preparing for such a plan.
This will also give your child a feeling of routine and calmness so that they know what to expect for the day.
What else would you add to your toddler’s daily schedule?
If you do have a valuable trick up your sleeve, leave a comment down below.
Go ahead and share this with your mama friends as well!
Just hang in there, Mama! You got this!
Talk to you soon,
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