How to Plan a Toddler's Schedule

Get her on a schedule

A schedule helps your toddler feel secure and empowered. By being able to predict what comes next, your toddler gains confidence and is less likely to have a meltdown.

Things You'll Need

• Markers
• Chart paper

Instructions

Developing Routines

1. Create a wake-up routine. Select a wake-up time for your toddler. Each morning your toddler should wake up around the same time. Decide on an order of morning activities--getting dressed, brushing hair and teeth, eating breakfast--and stick to that order each day.

2. Develop snack and mealtime routines. Toddlers should eat their meals and snacks at the same time each day. Having a set place for meals and snacks can also help solidify a routine.

3. Have a bedtime plan and stick to it. A bedtime routine should include using the bathroom, brushing teeth, having a bath and reading a few stories. Well ahead of time, decide how long bath time will be, how many stories are to be read, and what order teeth brushing, hair brushing and getting into pajamas will happen.

4. Make charts showing the order of your toddler's routines and post them where your toddler can see them. You can draw pictures to show the activities, cut out pictures from magazines or find clip art to illustrate the activities.

5. Have flexibility. Keep in mind that the sequence of activities is more important for your toddler than a minute-by-minute schedule. If you and your toddlers are enjoying playing a game or doing a project, it's much better to continue to enjoy yourselves than to have lunch at noon on the dot.

Creating a Written Schedule

1. Make several lists. One should cover all the things you want your toddler to experience each day (outdoor play, stories, art activities, imaginary play, meals, naps and snacks, for example). Another list should cover all the things you want to accomplish each day (cleaning chores, exercise and cooking, perhaps). A third list should cover the time needed for each activity.

2. Use the lists you made to create a master schedule that outlines all the things you and your toddler need to do each day in sequence.

3. Review the sequenced master schedule. Make sure it coordinates with your child's natural inclinations. For example, if your child is always hungry upon waking, make sure breakfast immediately follows wake-up time.

Tips & Warnings

• Routines are especially helpful when traveling. While traveling can wreak havoc on your toddler's schedule, sticking to routines--even if it means staying up late to incorporate bath and story--will help your child feel comfortable in a new environment.

• Do not become a slave to your toddler's schedule. If you're meeting friends for lunch at 12:30 and your toddler normally eats at noon, feed him a little snack and then have lunch at 12:30 instead of trying to get your child to eat two lunches or to sit at the restaurant without eating.

References

• BabySleepSite: Toddler Schedules