Schedules and Routines: Why Our Kids Need Them

As a teacher for the last 7 years, I've learned that routine is HUGE when it comes to getting your kiddos on a schedule. It taught my students what to expect each morning, when they were expected to do their work, when they could be free to eat and play, and when the day was almost over. Now, with a new baby, I'm realizing the same thing still applies.

WE NEED A ROUTINE!

But why routine at such a young age? Aren't babies unpredictable? Don't they get hungry, cry, and sleep randomly throughout the day? YES! To be honest, after my son was born I didn't have any type of schedule. I would sleep when I could (and let the baby sleep whenever he wanted), feed him whenever he got hungry, play with him at 3:00 am if he was wide awake, and try to find time to be Simone' whenever I could squeeze it in. It was doable, I guess, but I had no schedule or routine for the first 12 weeks or so, and as a new mom, I definitely struggled to make it work.

But, I think things changed when I eventually realized I wanted my son to start going to bed by a certain time. I also wanted him to start sleeping through the night. I had friends who had babies a few months before I did and they ALL said that the best way to get your baby on a sleep schedule is to get their day started early. I needed to get my baby up at 7am and show him that this is morning, this is when we wake up, eat, play, etc. Then, for evenings, my friends all recommended I begin a sleep schedule. They suggested starting a routine at the same time every night. For example, at 6:30 pm give your baby a full feeding, then some play time, then at 7:00 pm a bath, followed by a lotion/body massage, a bedtime story, and finally lay them down for bed in a completely dark room. The idea is that this will teach your baby that night time is meant for sleep.

So, after all the recommendations, hubby and I got straight to it! But first, let me be honest, I am NOT A MORNING PERSON! I'm not sure how I ever survived 7 years as a teacher. I struggle so much waking up early so I had to legit force myself to wake up at 7 am everyday. Even if my son just fell asleep or had been sleeping peacefully, or even if I had just fallen asleep, at 7 am WE ARE UP!

Once we wake up at 7 our day begins! Here is a sample schedule that I created that I currently use for my sons daily routine (he is now 4 months old) just so that I have something to follow and stick to. (I will make updates as he grows and sleep intervals change.)

Sample Schedule:

• 7:00 am : Wake Up

- Change Diaper, Eat, Talk & Play

• 8:15 am : Nap

- Get mom stuff done!

• 9:15 am : Wake Up

- Change Diaper, Eat, Story Time, Tummy Time

• 10:30 am : Nap

- Get mom stuff done!

• 11:30 am : Wake Up

- Change Diaper, Eat, Sensory Mat

• 1:00 pm : Nap

- Get mom stuff done!

• 2:00 pm : Wake Up

- Change Diaper, Eat, Tummy Time, Play Time

• 3:15 pm : Nap

- Get mom stuff done!

• 4:15 pm : Wake up

- Change Diaper, Eat, Tummy Time, Play Time

• 5:30 pm : Nap

- Get mom stuff done!

• 6:30 pm : Wake Up

- Feed

- Play

- Bath

- Massage

- Story

-Family prayer

• 7:30 pm : Bedtime

Remember, this is just a sample schedule that I use for MY child. Every baby is different. Some babies take fewer naps (or longer periods), some drink more milk at a time requiring less feedings, and some days are just downright not at all according to schedule. THAT IS OKAY! I'm not a professional at all when it comes to scheduling a baby's day but this routine has been working very well with my son.

So, no matter where you are in your journey with your baby, toddler, kids, or even teens it's not to late to start creating a daily routine! Parents at home with your babies/kids I'm here praying for you! You got this! Try starting a routine today if you haven't already. If you're a working parent who has kids at home you can still create a schedule for them to follow while you're away. Quick teacher tip: give them incentive!

Kids who have incentives following good behavior are more likely to complete the task they are supposed to get done. So, tell them if all the chores are complete they'll earn a movie night with pizza! Or, make it fun and tell them that on Friday you guys will go out and have some fun if all their homework is complete. Whatever it is, make it fun and keep it consistent.

Overall, keep it up. Being a parent is hard work and I understand that it ain't easy, but, WE GOT THIS! Claim it! You can do it! Get started today and feel free to reach out if you ever need support or have questions with your routine journey.

Love y'all,

Monie :)