(HOW-TO) Structure the "day" of a 1-2year old

After or around turning one, one can see a "pattern" in how a child's day would go about...

But till that time, a mother or a parent wants to desperately seeks more stability in their lives. So, the process of wanting a more structured life for your little one becomes a need! So you have more time in your hands..more time for everything.

And its not a thing of the past parents! Lets face it.. A little bit of planning never fails..

I searched every blog and article to find one that could help me.
But none of them told me "HOW" I could inculcate anything or everything together.
So much thinking and processing..then one day it was like one of those motherly instincts that it stuck me and I knew instantly what I had to do! (Gosh! these things drive you crazy!!)

And have lots of patience!

Here's the HOW:

1. Accept that there can be no set schedule (well atleast initially) for any child so try to incorporate things/activities during a specific period in the day.
And try to do maintain the order of things similar..each day..every day!

2. Observe what your child wants and needs and include yours too (best of both Worlds)
Every child is different, there's no one-solution-that-fits-all kind of a thing. First observe what your child needs, or wants during the day. Feeding, playing, diaper change, etc etc.."Observe the pattern", and slowly you can change or adjust it. Now I can adjust her sleep timings, so all the other things fall in place, when she eats, when she goes out to play and so on..

3. Tell them what you two will be doing next:
If you think your child doesn't understand what you talk or say to them yet, then you are wrong! They may not communicate it back, the way adults do, but even children so small can understand everything. So be careful, what you blurt out! And do what you promise!! Once, they start having trust or faith in you, they will listen more likely to you. It really helps in the long run :)

So, talk talk talk... But be true!


4. Structuring or scheduling is not for adults only.
Children are more happy and confident when they know whats coming.
Babies are intelligent creatures. If they know what coming and whats predictable for the day to come, they will be more happy and have more fun!
My daughter looks forward to reading a book or two (actually five) before going to bed. Its a ritual now..

5. Organised play:

Schedule any one part of the day for organised/assisted play and games. (you will find many such articles in my blog, so keep following)
While letting the child play on their own for the rest of the day. Not only will they gradually learn to make up games for themselves (yes, please have lots of patience, one day they will). But they will also become more independent of you! - oh! who doesn't want that!!

6. The Outdoors:
One trip to the outdoors every single day is a must! Trust me, its good for you too.. Especially during the winters...love to soak the sun.. Aahh!
Lol.. The real exploration is the outdoor parents! Thats where they really grow and learn.
It also means lots of interaction with other kids and parents, to learn social, physical and emotional skills.





Every child is different and has a different need, by structuring these needs and wants, we not only help them translate those (since we keep on talking about them, they start responding about them) but also help them in their growth mentally!

Good luck!