Putting your toddler on a schedule sounds like a daunting task. It is actually the foundation that will make tasks easier for both child AND parent. We started our son on a schedule before he was 1 year old. 8pm was his bedtime, no questions asked. Naptime was always mandatory. Creating this schedule allowed him to know what to expect every day.
If we were to be loose and only enforced it sometimes, he would think he has the power to fight it. When he knows he doesn’t call the shots, he never tried to battle us at bedtime or naptime. It was “lights out and don’t get up until the sunrises”. This has saved us a lot of energy and fussy nights. Mind you, there are days where he does not fall asleep for a nap but he knows what time it is, so he will quietly play in his room. Best believe bedtime will come a little earlier!
We have to place our kids on a routine to help them establish responsibility and ownership. I thought 8 months old was too early to train but it turned out to be a crucial building block. He has been sleeping solo from 8 months and in his own room since he was a year old. If we didn’t enforce boundaries and routine, my 4-year-old may still be sleeping in my bed.
The earlier in your child’s life you enforce order, the easier it will be because your child will learn limits and consistency. KEYWORD: CONSISTENCY. Your child will take you for a joke if you try to be stern on a bedtime two nights out of the week. Ya’ll was just kicking it with Jimmy Kimmel Late-Night yesterday! Stay on it. If you are a little late to the game, push back and attitude will be expected but the consistency will remind your child who is boss! Don’t surrender to the tears.
Even in the mornings, My husband has assisted our son with a routine of reading a book and doing a child-appropriate workout before breakfast. A few jumping jacks, push-ups, and sit-ups.
This routine:
- wakes him up.
- allows him to learn that reading and physical movement is a part of our day.
- teaches his responsibility for himself.
- gives him confidence in his abilities.
It also gives us a little breather between us waking up and the, “Ooh Ohh Your child is awake “. Routines lead to a calmer household while establishing expectations. We are four years deep into this parenting thing but I think we are off to a good start. I’m ready to pass him the broom and had some chores to this routine list!
Do your kids have a routine? How have you helped them to develop a level of being self-sufficient and responsible?
