Why are routines for toddlers important? Routines lead to consistency, sameness, and predictability. I’ve said before, toddlerhood is a lot. There’s so much development happening in such a short amount of time and it gets reeeeaaallly overwhelming (for parents and littles) quickly. In those moments, what does become helpful is routine.
What’s a Routine?
What do I mean by routine for toddlers? It’s actually pretty simple and chances are, you implement it into your own life without even realizing it. We often become creatures of habit- meaning we wake up at the same time, go to bed at the same time, and if you’re anything like me- pick the same movies to watch, re-watch our favorite tv shows, aaaand eat the same things at the same restaurants. (read: routine)
Why do we do this?
Predictability. Sameness. Comfort. Routine.
Maintaining Balance
It’s comforting to know that I can turn on an episode of “Friends” and know that I’m going to enjoy the content; something in the show will make me laugh. I like eating the same things at restaurants because I know I won’t be disappointed in the taste of the food. I go to bed and wake up at the same time daily because it helps my mental clarity.
But what happens when something comes up to change that? My bed time is set off by friends stopping by and staying later than expected, so I sleep later in the morning which leads to tardiness at work. The rest of my day I feel flustered and rushed; like I’m trying to catch up. I don’t outwardly scream and yell- but i’m still noticeably off my game.
My husband might pick a new restaurant to try and I cannot even focus on the conversation because i’m trying to determine what I might like to eat. I’m not going to outwardly scream and cry, but my husband will take note that i’m quieter than usual (…🧐maybe that’s why he picks new places…).
Toddler Daily Routine
Y’all see where I’m going with this? Toddlers thrive on routine– predictability, sameness, and comfort. It gives them something they can control in a world where everything can sometimes seem out of control.
I remind parents alllll the time- toddlers are little humans. Just like we become overwhelmed when something unexpected arises, so do they. They’re unexpected just looks a little different than ours.
But Megan, routines for toddlers are going to change- that’s life. You’re right! They do- and our little humans need to understand that life changes. How do we teach them?
We talk about it.
Toddler Routine Changes
It’s my go-to answer when it comes to toddlers and helping them navigate this life- talk about it! If you know a routine change is coming soon- talk with your toddler about it, prep them for the change. I’m talking about little changes alll the way to the big ones. (which, btw- we are in the midst of ourselves hello, school!)
“Good morning! You slept-in later today. You must have been tired. That’s okay, your body needed rest. Let’s have a good rest of our day!”
“Today you have a doctor’s appointment. They are going to do a check up and make sure you are growing big and strong! We will be going after we eat lunch. I’ll help you remember we are doing that today”
“We are going on vacation in 5 days! Let’s start a countdown for when we leave”
When it comes to the bigger changes, if possible start as soon as you find out they’re happening. For example, when we signed B up for school- he actually went with us to registration and was able to see where he was going to school. He’s also been involved in picking out his backpack, school supplies, and we’ve read a few books and watched a few shows about going to school. (our MO is to just have a good first day (or week) – if we can get through that… we will be A-OK, right?!)
Routines for toddlers are so important and easily implemented when done consistently! Routines for toddlers won’t always eliminate a meltdown from happening… BUT routines will help your toddler be more prepared to navigate situations and help them understand what to expect.
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