Creating a Daily Schedule

By Sarah Fader

As much as my first born would like to deny it, he loves routine. With the addition of his little sister to our family, any semblance of routine we once had has gone completely out the window. My brilliant friend, and early childhood educator, Ubaldina (Ubie for short) suggested creating a daily schedule for Ari. That way he’d know what to expect next at any given point during the day. I took out my writing utensils and got to work. Ari seemed pleased with the final product.


So far it has really made a difference in the quality of our day. We both know what to expect next.


When it came time to go to the library, Ari was so excited, he protested less than usual when I put on his winter coat.

As long as I allowed him to take his fire truck to the library (pictured above) he agreed to wear his coat. Samara had a harder time getting ready.

Babies I tell you, they are so lazy.

We made it to the library. Unfortunately, I was unable to document our library experience since I was carrying a baby on my chest, and chasing after Ari for two hours straight.

We made it home for lunch and quiet time.

Samara can’t read the schedule, so she doesn’t know that she’s supposed to be asleep right now. What a baby!

Do you have a schedule for your kids or do you go with the flow?

Sarah Fader records anecdotes from her daily life at at Old School New School Mom. She also currently runs blog workshops for elementary school children in New York City and provides freelance transcription services for major television networks, in between running after a two year old.

18 Responses to Creating a Daily Schedule
  1. Stephanie
    March 22, 2011 | 9:31 am

    So cute. I desperately need to make a schedule.

    Steph

  2. melissa aka equidae
    March 22, 2011 | 3:08 pm

    my sxhedule is still work in progress after little missy was born

  3. Debbie
    March 23, 2011 | 11:19 am

    To be honest, I even love making simple schedules for *myself* so the answer definitely is YES! I even draw little icons to make things clear immediately without having a lot to read. Schedules are the best way to keep control and they make the day a lot more fun. Kids will think it’s a fun game (what’s next on the schedule? can you remember?) and, if you let them agree on the schedule every morning, think they have a say in what you are about to do. Great blog post, very entertaining!

    Best,
    Debbie

  4. Barbara Manatee
    March 23, 2011 | 2:17 pm

    Great job! I am a teacher for kids with Autism so a daily schedule pretty much rules my classroom. When things got crazy here at home last year – I used my teacher thinking to make things run smoother at home. I made a morning schedule to get the kids up, ready and out the door more smoothly. The difference was amazing! They were more independent, had fewer arguments and meltdowns and we made it out the door on time almost every day compared to always running late before the schedule went into place. After a few months, we were able to do away with the actual schedule as they ‘knew it’ but I know I can always put it back in place when the going gets tough!

  5. Jan
    March 26, 2011 | 12:19 am

    Oh my word! I’m all about schedules. I don’t think I’d get anything done if I didn’t have a schedule. I’m just lucky that my 16-month-old has always been into schedules too. He’s like clockwork. We just recently (um, we’re on day 2) went from two naps to one. He’s doing amazing! I hope it sticks. LOL! So yes, I’m all about schedules!

  6. Carolynn
    April 1, 2011 | 8:11 pm

    This is old, as I looked over it, I do need to update it, but here is one of my very first blog posts that I wrote on routines! http://mylittlebitoflife.com/?page_id=61
    My in-laws love coming over to watch the kids at night because they are so easy to put to bed they say! A few of my friends have started to vent their frustration on bed time, and I don’t remember that time cause we’ve had a routine for so long! 🙂

  7. Judith
    April 3, 2011 | 12:48 pm

    I have been trying to figure out how to put together a schedule / routine for my newly-three-year old. I’m not sure why it is such a struggle (it may have something to do with my being too much of a perfectionist).

    I think if I just put something – anything – in place, we would find improvement, too. I’m resistant because I like to be more go-with-the-flow; but I don’t think three-year-olds do so well with that 🙂

    Thanks for the post.

  8. Joy
    April 13, 2011 | 10:30 am

    My son loves a schedule. He does so much better. I can really relate to what you shared. I’m nervous about adding a newborn to the routine in just a few weeks. Sounds like you’ve kept the schedule and it’s helped you all. I’m going to give it a try!
    One of the things I’ve put on our schedule it brushing teeth once in the morning and once before bed. This Mom’s Guide has a lot of tips on maintaining health teeth at different stages. I want to start my newborn off right. I don’t think I got serious about taking care of my son’s teeth until he was 2!! Lol

  9. Heidi
    April 17, 2011 | 3:02 pm

    I TRY to stick to a schedule as much as possible — it really does help! One helpful thing I use is this great site I found. I can check out all local summer activities, classes and camps in my area (Denver)!

    I don’t know about you, but I’m ALWAYS looking for summer activities for the kids. I found this great new site call ActivityTree.com – it’s a FREE, Mom-friendly site that has information on camps and classes to keep your little ones busy this summer!! What a time saver!

    The providers are searchable by zip code and activity type. The site provides contact information (including email addresses to ask questions). They also offer kid’s activity scholarships.

    Click here to see what Activity Tree has to offer:
    http://www.activitytree.com/kids-classes-lessons-and-camps/day-camp/colorado/denver/80206/?utm_source=CO&utm_medium=MOM&utm_campaign=Day%2BCamp

    Enjoy!

  10. nicole
    May 3, 2011 | 8:49 pm

    We use a routine for most days. We are not always doing things at the same time, but in the same order as much as possible. It is good for everyone. I am impressed you spent two hours at the library! I don’t have the patience to be there that long with my crew!

  11. Sheridan
    June 29, 2011 | 3:50 pm

    I just blogged about setting up a rhythm in our family.
    http://enjoybirth.com/blog/2011/06/27/what-is-rhythm/
    When we have a good one, life goes so much smoother!

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