Toddler schedules are a must!
And before you start to sweat because the word “schedule” stresses you out!
Please let me put you at ease.
A toddler schedule at home for 2 year olds, 3 year olds, preschoolers and older…
Do. Not. Need. to be stressful!
The whole point of a toddler schedule at home is to help YOU out and of course your child.
But, you get it. It’s not supposed to add one more thing to your list of things to do.
That’s why I’m here…I am going to show you that creating a toddler schedule and setting up daily routines will save your sanity.
Why is a schedule for 2 year olds (and older) important?
Let me paint a picture for you that you may be familiar with.
It was only 8:30am.
We had already played with every toy in the house which were now spewed everywhere in a perfect kind of order for me to step on all the small, sharp pieces.
The mom guilt was setting in because I had let my son have a marathon viewing session of Paw Patrol.
I was losing my patience with myself and my toddler by the second.
Did I mention it was only 8:30am?!
That was just the beginning of a long day that ended with me hiding in my closet for a few sanity seconds. Have you done that?!
I needed a plan for our day. It didn’t have to be rigid but it did need to happen and stat!
My education background (I taught K and 1st) taught me that daily routines for kids gives them a better understanding of their world and make them feel secure.
When I was a teacher in the classroom I spent hours planning and preparing for the week ahead. I wanted to make sure I had everything I needed for the activities we were going to do and allotted time to do them.
Why should my preparation with my own children be any different?!
How to Start Toddler Schedules?
The first thing you need to do is sit down and think about…
- What you want your days to look like?
- What are things that you need to get done?
- What are the things that are going to be a win for you and your child(ren)?
After doing this for me and my family, I came up with ideal toddle scheduleS and realistic toddler schedules.
This way I would have an ideal toddlers schedule for most days, but a realistic toddler schedule for days that don’t go ideally (think melt downs, blow-out diapers and crayons on the wall).
And real talk…there are those days where any kind of schedule is not going to work. You know when life hits you in the face. Don’t worry, I got you covered!
For those days I have found that it’s important to have daily routines in place. Ones you do every day and at least provide a foundation on days that go a little (or a lot) to the left.
This way your toddler still has a since of structure in their day even when the schedule is not going to happen.
But, we’ll touch more on routines a little later. For now, let’s dive into the toddler schedules..
And please remember all of this is ideal and meant to serve as a baseline. You can use flex times and make this schedule work for you.
It can also be for an 18 month schedule or 20 month schedule.
Now that we have all the “no mom guilt allowed disclaimers” out of the way. Let’s get started. 🙂
Ideal Schedule for 2 Year Olds
Ideal Schedule for 2 Year Old Explained {Toddlers Schedule}:
7:00am—Wake-Up/Morning Routine
Once they’re up, go in and greet them and tell him/her what you are going to do that day while getting a fresh diaper (if needed).
Go to the kitchen to begin our morning routine. This includes him helping prepare and pick his breakfast. Then eating and cleaning up his breakfast.
This is definitely a work in progress! It doesn’t go this smoothly every day but we do work on it every day. Consistency is the key!
8:00am—Sensory Play/Learning Activity
This is when the real fun begins!
Like I mentioned before, I was a teacher before becoming a stay at home mom. So, I like to utilize learning activities as much as I can.
I have found that when learning is fun kids retain a lot more. Especially for toddlers who will not sit still for very long.
Flour sensory play is always a go to for me because it’s so easy! We made cloud dough that I’ve stored in a rubbermaid and kept for a year now!
We stick to a lot of motor skills activities right now because that’s where his interests lies.
You could also do the sponge letters and have your toddler match them to the letter you wrote with dry-erase marker.
Having simple indoor activities for toddlers at your fingertips is always a good thing!
I like to have a few thing in mind as back up in case the one I planned for us to do doesn’t go well.
And if you’re interested in customizing your toddler schedule visual. You can get this schedule I’ve put in my Etsy shop. I’ll be happy to customize the name, color, or what you want on your visual daily schedule!
9:00am—Go on an Outing
Leave the house to go on an adventure!
Sometimes that literally means driving to McDonald’s for a Diet Coke just to get out of the house.
Other times it means going on a play date or visiting family.
Here are a few other simple ideas for outings with your toddlers:
- Library
- Mall Playground
- Outside Playground
- The Pet Store
- Local Science Museum
- Target (to play with their toys and then leave them there:))
- Hiking
Just get out of the house. It’s good for you and your toddler.
11:00am—Lunch/Meal Time Routine
We keep lunch meals pretty simple.
A protein (usually egg or cheese), fruit and if I’m lucky some sort of vegetable.
Side note, if your toddler doesn’t love to eat vegetables, like mine.
Make a smoothie and put spinach in them. They’ll never knows he/she drank a vegetable!
I usually add bananas, berries, flax seed and spinach. It makes me feel a lot better about him not eating the vegetables I attempt to serve him.
After he’s finished he helps me clean up so he can feel some responsibility.
Right now that means him putting his dish next to the sink or wiping down the table.
12:00pm—Nap/Nap Routine
For nap time we change back in jammies (because I’m a germaphobe).
Then we read two books (only two because he’ll keep asking for more if I don’t stop it there).
I say a prayer and them put him in bed with his paci and lovies.
He usually sleeps between 1-3 hours. It’s pretty much a toss up. You never know what you’re gonna get.
Also, if your child does not nap. Don’t fret!
You can start setting expectations for quiet time. Here’s how…
- Set boundaries – tell them to stay in their room unitl you come back to let them know they’ve completed quiet time.
- Give them activities – set out books they can look out, blocks, toys that you feel like they’ll be calm while playing with. You can also give them paper and crayon if you feel like they can be left alone (and that’s a big leap of faith, haha).
This way you both still get a moment to yourself. Nap time is pretty sacred time (especially for us moms).
3:00pm—Wake-Up/Snack
My sone usually wakes around 3:00pm and I’ll have a little snack prepared for him.
Snack usually consists of fruit, crackers or cereal.
As he eats snack I usually let him watch a show because it’s the only time he’ll cuddle with me.
Plus, it’s nice to sit down together for a second!
3:30pm—Park/Play Outside
By this time he’s ready to stretch his eyes and see some daylight.
If I’m short on time(which is most of the time) he’ll just play in the backyard since we have some great summer toys that he loves.
But, if time allows we venture off to the local playground or take a walk.
Basically the goal is to get some fresh air and that could take on many different forms.
4:30pm—Independent Play
Real talk, during this time I’m busy cooking dinner.
We are really trying to work on independent play because we have a baby on the way!
So, I’ve been trying to make some busy bag choices for him to pick.
Since the whole point of these bags is to have all the materials at their finger tips so they can do it independently.
Independent play does not come naturally to a lot of kids. That’s why we are practicing.
The hope is that he’s comfortable to play on his own for a while.
That way I won’t feel as guilty while I attempt to breastfeed his sibling.
But, independent play can help you out in so many ways!
5:30pm—Dinner
This is one of my favorite times because we get to sit down as a family, take a breath and be together.
Although, this togetherness usually lasts about 5 minutes.
Toddlers seem to be finished eating fairly quickly!
When he’s done eating and decides he wants to get down we have told him that he has to ask, “may I be excused?”
It’s just a way from preventing him from feeling like he runs the show. And it’s really cute watching him try to remember the worlds he’s supposed to say.
6:30pm—Family Play Time
This time goes so quickly. We usually try to dance, play in the backyard or go for a walk.
Or, I try to fold some never ending laundry while my husband wrestles with the kids.
7:00pm—Bed Time Routine
We do a bath every night. Also, if you’re child doesn’t like baths (like ours). Try popsicle baths.
It’s a great motivator and usually lasts the length of a bath. Bribing with popsicles is just one of the things I didn’t know I’d do with my toddler.
7:30pm—Time For Bed
We try to keep this routine as simple as possible.
Brush teeth, jammies, lotion, lovies and paci.
Once we have all the necessities. My husband reads two books to him and then puts him to bed.
Now for the days when things go less than ideal, which seems to happen A LOT for us.
Here is the Realistic Toddler Schedule:
Realistic Toddler Schedule
Realistic Toddler Schedule Explained:
7:00am—Wake-Up/Morning Routine
Even when our day doesn’t go exactly as planned we always stick to our routines. This daily routine chart helps give my toddler a visual que as to what to do next.
So, he still knows we’ll eat breakfast, comb hair and get dressed. It provides some sanity to our “realistic” day.
8:00am—TV time/Mom Works Out
Sometimes I don’t get up in enough time to work out before he is up.
I also don’t always have a great sensory activity prepared because I’m human.
So, on those days I allow him to watch 20-30 minutes (or sometimes more) of a show while I work out. I know it’s not the greatest thing but I also figure it’s not the worst.
Or, if I don’t feel like working out I’ll hold him and we watch TV as long as he lets me.
Because let’s be real, I don’t work out every day.
9:00am—Go on an Outing/House Cleaning
On these days our “outing” literally tuns into a long drive so I can listen to a podcast and my toddler can have some down time.
Also, I’m not gonna lie. House cleaning has taken a major hit since becoming a mom. It’s just hard to get it done without someone trailing behind you and undoing what you just did.
So, I’ve incorporated it into our day and try to make it fun for my toddler to help.
Of course that doesn’t always work and that’s when I encourage independent play again so I can get rid of some dust bunnies.
11:00am—Lunch/Meal Time Routine
Again, even on days that aren’t ideal we always stick to our routines.
So, at lunch time we eat and clean-up.
Also in reality, somedays he has no interest in what I prepared for him (aka only wants fruit).
That’s when I pick my battles and try to remember that sometimes I don’t want a certain type of food either.
I feel like toddlers would snack all day if we let them and sometimes I do. Because the whole pick your battles thing.
12:00pm—Nap/Nap Routine
This is a routine I NEVER mess with. Oh, unless he falls to sleep in the car and then I very cautiously transfer him to bed because if he wakes up that nap is ruined forever and somedays the nap is ruined. And then I cry, just kidding (kind of).
3:00pm—Wake-Up/Snack
We never miss a snack! It may not be organic and grass fed but it’s a snack .
Related: Healthy Toddler Snacks on The Go
3:30pm—TV time/Cuddle
Somedays you just don’ t have it in you to move anymore.
That’s when we turn on a little Bob the Builder and cuddle. Honestly, I let him watch TV sometimes just so he’ll cuddle with me. Again with the bribery. I’ve mentioned this a few times but I cherish all the cuddles I can get!
4:30pm—Independent Play/Finish Cleaning
This is when he plays on his own while I attempt to finish the cleaning that I started earlier. Oh and laundry. There’s always laundry.
5:30pm—Take-Out Dinner
What sounds good tonight? Pizza! Or whatever requires me not cooking!
Thank God for delivery. There are days when cooking just isn’t going to happen.
And for nights that you go to a restaurant. I’ve created a toddler restaurant kit to help your toddler stay entertained.
So, you can enjoy your meal instead of picking mac and cheese off the floor. I promise you this kit has changed our restaurant going lives!
6:30pm—Family Play Time
Sometimes this turns into dad plays with toddler while I finish cleaning the house and the mess from dinner. Or sometimes I’m just over adulating and I’ll sit down and scroll Instagram while they play. Because even moms need some time to check out.
7:00pm—Bed Time Routine
Always keep the same bed time routine!
7:30pm—Time For Bed
Same here! We always do the same thing for bed time routine. Well, because we like sleep!!
And lastly, a schedule for those summer days. When the air just feels a little different and things can go hay wire if you let it. I speak from experience!
Ok, for an added bonus. I’m going to share an easy summer schedule with you. Because Summer just has an attitude about it that demands a change from our normal every day schedule.
Summer Toddler Schedule
Summer Toddler Schedule
7:00am—Wake-Up/Morning Routine
It’s best to keep things as routine as possible. Even during the summer when schedules are more lax. Your kids will still wake up at the same time. So, it make since to keep the same routine.
8:00am—Morning Walk
Summer days get hot very quickly! And getting out for a morning walk is a great way for you to clear your head and for your toddler to get some fresh air.
All before you start sweating profusely!
9:00am—Summer Outing/Activity
Again, summer is hot! Especially in Tennessee. So, it’s best to do your outings and activities before it’s 1,000 degrees.
Here is a great list of activities to do with your kids this summer. Including indoor, outdoor and outing ideas!
11:00am—Independent Play
Once you have had a lot of interaction with them and there “attention bucket” is full. It’s time for independent play!
12:00pm—Lunch/Meal Time Routine
If the weather is nice and it’s not too hot. This is a great time for a picnic in your own backyard!
But, by all means. If the bugs are out and you’re too sticky keep that food inside.
Your kids are likely exhausted by this point anyways.
1:00pm—Nap/Nap Routine
This is the same nap routine we follow no matter what. That I mentioned in the first schedule example.
3:00pm—Wake-Up/Snack
Time for a quick snack as they are still waking up from their nap.
3:30pm—TV time/Cuddle
I think TV can be used as a tool for learning and tool for me to get some cuddle.
Here are some great educational shows:
- Super Why!
- Word World
- Sesame Street
- Daniel Tigers Neighborhood
- Storybots
- Dinosaur Train
4:30pm—Play Outside
It should start cooling off by now, so it’s safe to venture outdoors once again!
Sometimes I let my son play outside while I make dinner.
5:30pm—Dinner
We try to eat dinner as a family most nights. It’s a great way to hear about each other’s days. And if you can’t get your toddler to talk.
Ask these questions:
- What was your favorite part about today?
- Was someone nice to you?
- Were you nice to someone else?
6:30pm—Family Play Time
This could be another out time play if you like or just stick to a simple board game if you are exhausted yourself!
7:00pm—Bed Time Routine
Always keep the same bed time routine!
7:30pm—Time For Bed
Always the same! And since our son is now in a toddler bed! We use this one and love it!
We’ve implemented a toddler clock. It turns green when he can get out of bed. It’s taken some consistent training but it now works like a charm!
And full disclosure sometimes nothing on andy of these toddler schedules happen, but routines ALWAYS do. As long as you keep a routine your kids will feel like there is structure to your day(and so will you).
A daily routine chart is a great way to nurture independence. Instead of you saying fifty times “go brush your teeth!” They’ll know that it’s time to do that just by looking at their routine cards.
Use a printable routine chart to help teach your toddler independence and to keep your sanity!
It is always good to have visuals.
More than half of people are visual learners so posted in your home will help keep you on schedule. Wether they be routine cards or your actual toddler schedules.
Figure out what is best for you and your family and will help your day go smoothly!
So, if you’re asking “should toddlers be on a schedule?”
The answer is absolutely YES! It will make both of your lives so much easier and happier!!
Until next time, Go get ’em mama!
-Lindsey
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Really great and realistic ideas for a toddler! Thanks for sharing!
Of course Leanne! I’m glad you found it helpful!
you’re an amazing. love your system.I am a new mommy again with a newborn, 4 yr old toddler, and pre-teen. I will be on maternity leave for the summer and was just looking for some ideas for a daily routine with my little ones. This blog gave me some great insight.Thanks for this.
Jacquelin, Congratulations on your new little one! You definitely have your hands full. I hope this will help give your Summer some structure and allows you to have less stress! Thank you for reaching out!
Great post! Thanks for sharing BOTH! There are so many out there that definitely don’t talk about the REALISTIC schedule along side the ideal. Your suggestions make me hopeful that we can get a little more structure to our days. 🙂
I am absolutely certain that the days you are creating for your kids are amazing! We have way more of the “realistic” schedule happening over here lately. 🙂
This is great – I remember those hard days for sure! My kids are now 7 and 9, so far removed. We tried to get out each day go to the book store or a friends house. but we always had a nap routine and a bed time routine!
Yes! I didn’t realize how important naps really were until I became a mom. We pretty much plan our day around naps. 🙂
Love that you added the realistic routine for when the days don’t go according to plan! This is great structure for a toddler.
Thank you! We end up doing the realistic plan pretty often. But either way, we have structure and I think that’s the most important thing!
I’m so worried that with baby number two on the way that it will change my toddlers schedule! Any tips for scheduling with a toddler and a new born??
Hey Brittany, I’m actually in the same boat as you. I am expecting in August and have similar worries as you. I’ll definitely keep you posted! I’m sure I’ll write about it 🙂
I have a three year old and I love having a routine! He’s a very early riser, so our day gets a jump start, but our schedule is very similar to yours!
It’s definitely never a boring schedule with toddlers around. 🙂
This post is fantastic! I wish I had a detailed plan/schedule when my boys were toddlers. They are 17 months apart, and those years were HARD. I think a schedule is a great idea for kids of any age though. Adults too!
Oh bless you! 17 months apart had to be so hard! I’m sure your rocked it though. And you’re right, I definitely benefit from a schedule as an adult.
This is such a great post. Life with a toddler is hard! I think that they definitely thrive when they know a routine well. I’m totally going to save this post on Pinterest to reference again as I try and get my little one on a better schedule. Thank you!
You’re so right! A good schedule and routine helps the day go much smoother!
This schedule is so great! Question for you-what age do you recommend (or did your child follow) for this schedule? I have an almost 13 month old and thinking to transition him to one nap a day soon since he is fighting his morning nap.
Hey Katie! Great question! I did start this schedule once we were down to one nap. With one nap it gives you a little more time in your day for activities. But, you could always substitute one of the mid morning activities for nap if you child is still doing two naps. I hope this helps!
Thank you for this because I have a 1year old and she not on a routine and I’m also nine weeks pregnant and I’m like I have to get her on a routine because I have another baby on the way and also she’s not sleeping through the night still. I think this will help me. With my first child it was a little different because he went to a i home daycare so that helped me but now I’m a stay home mom and I pretty much let my daughter run the show and I really messed up this her. So know it’s time for me get prepared like Benjamin Franklin said. Lol but it’s so true. Again, thank you.
-Dionne
Hey Dionne, I totally get it! Life moves so fast and sometimes things just happen before you realize it. Also, I’m in the same boat! I’m 27 weeks pregnant and trying to tighten up our schedule (once again) in preparation for this exciting transition! Also, I hope your one year old sleeps through the night soon! I know that’s hard on you. Lack of sleep is no joke!
Hello! My son will be 2 in a few days. We really struggle with early wake ups with him (between 3:30-4:30 am every day). It’s been a year of this.
He goes to bed at 6:30. He naps for 2 hours on the dot (very good internal clock regarding nap I guess) and was doing nap at 10:45, but I’ve been trying to move it to 11:45 to 12:00. He is obviously very tired by this point being up at 4:30.
We have tried 7:00 bedtimes and 6:00 bedtimes, too.
I just can’t figure out what his schedule needs to be. Any suggestions?
Hey Kethy! First of all I want to say that I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from! It is so frustrating when they get in a pattern of waking up so early. Can I ask you a question first…What does he do once he wakes up at 3:30 or 4:30?
Hi great post, love your humor, it felt like something I’d write ha as so similar,made me feel somewhat better too as I also do snack,tv cuddle after nap, love it(the cuddles) and yes too in the mornings sometimes when cleaning etc, needs be… I’m curious about the routine cards…do I just stick them up together and show my lil girl what we’re doing each time or separately around the house, thanks…
Naomi, as far as the cards go. You just do whatever works best for you and your kids. I like to go over them in the morning so my son knows what to expect. Then we revisit them as he completes each routine.
Thank you!
Great list! It’s so true that we need to implement responsibility into our children early on. I am a single mother with three children under the age of 5. The eldest child I raised with printable charts. Now I use the Manini app for three children. These are the same printable cards but in the phone. In the app, you can mark the completion of tasks and children like it very much. And the app has a goal Board that lists all chores and self-care for kids under the age of 5. We mark together with the children the tasks that have already been mastered. Also they actually ask for tasks themselves to make a mark the task. I felt much better. And I’m not nervous and it’s easy for children to become independent
I’m so happy you found something that works great for your family!
I love all these different schedules. I definitely didn’t think I was gonna be a routine, having a schedule kind of mom. But here I am, denying late night activities because I stick to a night time routine like peanut butter sticks to bread.
Haha! Katie, I totally understand. I didn’t get it until I had kids either.
You’re awesome. Your routines are a great resource. I have a teaching background with much older kids, but also didn’t realize how much I needed one with my son especially not until being a stay at home mom with a 20 month old curious boy now. This is what. I was looking for. My mom suggested I create a routine, but I didn’t have a clue where to start.
I especially like your routines and explanations. I just purchased your kit. He is ready for potty training? Do you have any resources or routines for this. I’m hoping to start work soon and want to hand him off scheduled, potty trained and confident!
I cannot tell you how kind it was for you to leave such an encouraging message! Thank you!! And I’m so incredibly glad that my post and the routines are helping you out!! That’s a huge deal to me. They have been a game changer for us!
In regards to your potty training question. My best advice is to get him comfortable with the potty. Let him just sit on it (we had a training potty he could use in both bathrooms.) My son would sit on it and read books or just to hang out, haha. We also used “potty toys.” These were special toys or books that he could only use while on the potty. That way it was an incentive to want to go and then stay until his business was done. 🙂 I hope this helps! And…you’re an amazing mom!!