A stay-at-home mom’s schedule with a toddler can be very hectic. It is a full-time job for the parent to take care of their child and manage the household. This article will outline how to plan a stay-at-home mom schedule with a toddler.
This is the simple stay-at-home mom schedule with a toddler (1–3 years old) that is working for me.
Tips on how to create stay-at-home mom schedule with a toddler
Morning Routine
The early hours of the day can set the tone for the rest of your day. Establishing a morning routine helps provide structure and allows you to accomplish essential tasks while keeping your toddler engaged and content.
7:00 AM: Wake Up and Prepare Yourself
Start your day by waking up a little earlier than your toddler to have a moment for yourself. Take a shower, enjoy a cup of coffee, and mentally prepare for the day ahead. It’s important to prioritize self-care to ensure you’re energized and ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
8:00 AM: Toddler Wake-Up Time
Wake up your little one and begin the day together. Start with a warm and loving greeting and attend to your child’s basic needs, such as changing diapers and getting dressed.
8:15 AM: Breakfast and Playtime
Prepare a nutritious breakfast for both yourself and your toddler. Encourage them to participate in the process by involving them in simple tasks, such as setting the table or pouring milk into their cereal. After breakfast, engage in playtime activities that stimulate their imagination, creativity, and motor skills.
9:30 AM: Structured Learning Activities
Introduce structured learning activities to promote cognitive development. These can include reading books, doing some art in their drawing books, singing songs, teaching colors and shapes, and playing with puzzles. Choose activities that align with your toddler’s interests, and focus on building their knowledge and skills.
Mid-Day Routine
As the morning transitions into mid-day, it’s important to balance structured activities with free play, relaxation, and nourishment.
11:00 AM: Snack Time and Outdoor Play
Provide a healthy snack for your toddler, and plan to spend some time outdoors, weather permitting. Whether it’s a trip to the park or simply playing in the backyard, fresh air and physical activity are crucial for your child’s well-being. Engage in games, walks, or exploratory play to keep their curiosity alive.
12:30 PM: Lunchtime and Quiet Activities
Prepare a nutritious lunch for both yourself and your little one. Encourage independent eating, allowing your toddler to practice self-feeding skills. Afterward, engage in quieter activities such as arts and crafts, sensory play, or reading. These activities help to develop fine motor skills and promote creativity.
Afternoon Routine:
As the day progresses, maintaining a consistent routine can help prevent restlessness and ensure a smooth transition toward naptime.
2:00 PM: Naptime
Following a busy morning, it’s time for your toddler to take a well-deserved nap. Use this opportunity to catch up on some household chores, relax, or engage in activities that you enjoy. Balancing your own needs with your child’s ensures a healthier and happier environment for everyone. (if your child has a sleeping problem, this book can help you).
3:30 PM: Snack Time and Free Play
Once your toddler wakes up, provide a light snack to replenish their energy levels. Encourage independent play, allowing them to explore their surroundings and engage with age-appropriate toys and activities. This free playtime helps foster imagination, problem-solving skills, and social development.
Evening Routine
As the day winds down, establishing an evening routine helps create a peaceful atmosphere and prepare your toddler for bedtime.
5:00 PM: Dinner Preparation Begin preparing a wholesome dinner for the family while engaging your toddler in safe and age-appropriate cooking tasks. This allows them to participate and feel involved in the meal preparation process.
6:00 PM: Family Dinner and Quality Time
Sit down together as a family and enjoy a nutritious dinner. Use this time to connect, share stories, and engage in meaningful conversations with your toddler. This quality bonding time is crucial for their emotional well-being and helps create a sense of belonging.
7:00 PM: Bath Time and Bedtime Routine
After dinner, initiate a calming bedtime routine. This can include a warm bath, brushing teeth, changing into pajamas, and reading a bedtime story. Establish a consistent routine that signals to your toddler that it’s time to wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Being a stay-at-home mom with a toddler requires patience, flexibility, and a well-structured schedule. While every family’s routine may vary, creating a daily schedule that balances learning, playtime, and self-care is essential for both your child’s development and your own well-being. By following a structured routine, you can maximize productivity, nurture your toddler’s growth, and create a harmonious environment where you both thrive. Embrace the joys and challenges of being a stay-at-home mom, knowing that your efforts contribute to shaping a bright and happy future for your child.
A sample of stay-at-home mom’s schedule with a toddler
- 7:30 am: Wake up and Play
- 8:15 am: Breakfast
- 8:45 am: Playtime
- 10:00 a.m.: Snack
- 12:00 pm: Lunch
- 12:30 pm: Nap
- 2:30 pm: Nap Ends
- 2:45 pm: Snack
- 3:00 pm: Playtime
- 5:30 pm: Dinner
- 7:00 pm: Bedtime routine: – Bath and Pajamas, reading, and snack
- 7:45 pm: Sleep
Items you might find useful as a stay-at-home mom
- Planner or calendar: To schedule appointments, activities, and tasks, helping you stay organized and manage your time effectively.
- Notebook and pen: for jotting down thoughts, to-do lists, and important reminders.
- Relaxation aids: Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for quiet time. Comfortable clothing: Invest in cozy loungewear or athleisure wear that allows you to move freely and comfortably throughout the day. Weighted blanket or cozy throw for comfort. Guided meditation apps or relaxation podcasts for stress relief. Download apps like Headspace or Calm.
- Exercise Equipment: Yoga mat: for practicing yoga, meditation, or stretching exercises to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Resistance bands or dumbbells for strength training. Exercise bike or treadmill for cardiovascular fitness.
- Time-Saving Gadgets: Slow cooker or Instant Pot for quick and easy meals. Cleaning supplies such as Robotic vacuum or cleaning robot for automated housekeeping, brooms, mops, and cleaning products. Also, Smart home devices for controlling lights, temperature, and other functions. Tea maker or coffee maker: For brewing your favorite beverages to enjoy during quiet moments of reflection or relaxation.
- Essential oils or scented candles Create a calming atmosphere and enhance your self-care routine with aromatherapy.
- Self-care products: Treat yourself to skincare products, bath bombs, or body lotions for indulgent self-care rituals.
- Books or e-reader: To escape into the world of literature and unwind during nap times or quiet evenings. Download apps like Amazon Kindle, Google Play books, apple books, Libby by OverDrive, Project Gutenberg, Wattpad and Goodreads.
- Support network: Surround yourself with friends, family, or fellow moms who can provide encouragement, advice, and companionship.
- Childcare resources: Whether it’s baby gear, toys, or educational materials, having resources to entertain and stimulate your children can give you much-needed breaks throughout the day.
- Comforting Foods and Beverages: Herbal tea or hot cocoa for relaxation. Healthy snacks or pre-packaged convenience foods for busy days. Meal prep containers or freezer-friendly recipes for easy meals.
- Hobby Supplies: Invest in supplies for hobbies or interests that bring joy and fulfillment, whether it’s painting, gardening, candle making, or crafting .
- Home Office Setup: Desk, chair, and computer for illustrating work-from-home or financial planning.
Read:
- Stay-at-home mom schedule with school-age
- Stay-at-home mom’s schedule
- A stay-at-home mom with an infant
- House cleaning schedule
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