I'd like to develop a daily routine for my 2-year old. Any suggestions for a disorganized mom?

Answer 1

First of all, save a list on the computer of things to do. Everyone usually wakes up at different times, so start at at breakfast, which could be in a range like 7:30-9:30. Get him into the tub for a bath, which if made into a bubble bath with toys could be a fun daily thing for him. Get him dressed and have him brush his teeth. A coloring activity would be good in the morning, or even a daily room cleaning before art time would be good. Have lunch, then lay him down for a nap. Make sure he takes one. Then you can take him outside, and during summer you could do things like run in the sprinklers or go to the pool. During spring and fall, going to a park and letting him swing or slide would be good. Also after nap you could have a snack, but not too close to dinner if he wakes up late! Then you might have him watch TV for his one time a day time while you cook dinner, turn it off then eat dinner, clean up, then do a family thing like reading a book before bedtime. Your 2year old will learn to look forward to reading a book (escpicially if it can keep him out of bed for a little in his mind) Besides this, going grocery shopping and other shopping will take up a day or two in your week. Make sure he gets a nap, and maybe two naps if he's tired!
Hint: don't have him take a late nap or he'll never get to bed that night!

Answer 2

A written schedule is a great idea. I would also include time for *you* every day, even if it's waking up early for quiet time or taking a bath during baby's nap time . It's just as important to take care of you! Also, plan meals and snacks. It makes trips to the grocery store much easier. Good luck!

Answer 3

Well, I would suggestion you make a spreadsheet from the time the kid gets up to the time the kid goes to sleep. Put in what you want the kid to do at certain times, and stick to the routine. After you do it for a while the it will just become second nature to the kid!

Answer 4

I ordered a "Chore Chart" from ABC distributing that has pictures of things that my 2 year old needs to do (i.e..make bed (I allow just putting the blankets on the bed), pick up toys, etc...and it works wonders. I hung it at eye level and she does the things that she needs to do and earns tokens (25 tokens = a reward) We made a list of rewards and she has already turned her tokens in for rewards twice. (Been using for about 6 weeks). You can find chore charts online or at places like Walmart. Make sure they have pictures so that they can look at them and see what they are suppossed to do. Works great with older kids too.