Description

You may feel like you are on a hamster wheel, keeping the same schedule day after day, but your toddler thinks it is heavenly. Toddlers rely on a predictable schedule to help them feel safe. This security offers toddlers more time to focus on learning, playing and exploring. Smart schedules teach boundaries, establish patterns and, believe it or not, increase your toddlers flexibility.

Determine the tasks that need to get done and create a schedule to keep every day. This repetition creates strong connections in the brain helping the child to be more calm and confident because he/she can predict what’s next.

Some days just don’t go the way you had planned causing mayhem on your toddlers need for his structured day. Be prepared for these unforeseen interruptions having as much pulled together and planned the day before or before your toddler wakes up. If a routine seems like it is not working after 4-5 days, change it and incorporate it into your day to fit better. Speak to your toddler enthusiastically about the change in routine.

Although a set routine brings comfort to your toddler, you want to teach them to be adaptable which will make him more resilient as he grows older. You can achieve this by varying the adult who runs the show at mealtime, bath-time, bedtime, etc. This helps your toddler to know that other adults will also meet his needs.

When leaving your home, try to maintain some sense of normalcy. Talk to your toddler about why and where you are going and reassure her that everything is fine. Keep thing simple and calm. As much as possible, try to keep a regular schedule and bring along familiar objects. As disruptive as changes may seem, they teach your child coping skills to use throughout life.