Being a stay-at-home mom to a toddler is a beautiful yet demanding role that requires careful planning, flexibility, and a whole lot of love. Establishing a routine can bring structure and balance to your days, ensuring that both you and your little one thrive. In this blog post, we’ll explore an effective routine specifically tailored for stay-at-home moms with toddlers, helping you navigate the challenges, embrace the joys, and create a harmonious environment for both of you.
A toddler is a child between 1-3 years old. At this age, some toddlers might have started to go to daycare, while others are still at home.
Before you start going through the below daily routine for a toddler, note that not all toddlers are the same and families have different schedules. The below toddler routine might differ from yours.
Most toddler routines include:
- Wake times
- Playtimes
- Mealtimes
- Snack times
- Nap times
- Bedtimes
A simple guide on how to create a stay-at-home mom routine with a toddler.
Morning Bonding Time:
Start your day by carving out special bonding time with your toddler. Enjoy cuddles, read a book, or engage in playtime together. This intentional connection in the morning sets a positive tone for the day and strengthens your bond.
Breakfast Routine:
Establish a consistent breakfast routine that incorporates nutritious options for both you and your toddler. Prepare a balanced meal that includes fruits, whole grains, and proteins to provide sustained energy throughout the morning. Encourage your toddler to participate by involving them in simple tasks like setting the table or helping with meal preparation.
Structured Playtime:
Engage in structured playtime with your toddler to foster their development and stimulate their growing curiosity. Plan age-appropriate activities that promote learning, creativity, and physical movement. This could include puzzles, building blocks, arts and crafts, or exploring nature together. Structured playtime not only helps your toddler develop essential skills but also strengthens the parent-child bond.
Naptime Routine:
Create a soothing and consistent naptime routine for your toddler. Set a quiet and comfortable environment, read a calming story, and ensure a consistent sleep schedule. This routine will help your little one unwind, promote healthy sleep patterns, and give you some time to recharge and attend to your own needs.
Personal Time and Self-Care:
While your toddler naps, prioritize personal time for self-care. Use this precious moment to relax, engage in activities that rejuvenate you, or attend to household tasks. Take a soothing bath, read a book, meditate, or pursue a hobby that brings you joy. Prioritizing self-care replenishes your energy and allows you to be more present and patient with your toddler.
Outdoor Exploration:
Make time for outdoor exploration with your toddler. Take a walk in the park, visit a local playground, or engage in nature-based activities. Outdoor experiences provide valuable sensory stimulation, promote physical development, and offer opportunities for social interaction with other children. Embrace the wonders of nature together and create lasting memories.
Mealtime Routine:
Establish a consistent and enjoyable mealtime routine for lunch and snacks. Encourage your toddler’s independence by involving them in age-appropriate tasks such as setting the table or assisting with simple meal preparations. Offer a variety of healthy food options and create a positive environment where mealtime is enjoyable and shared.
Educational Activities:
Engage your toddler in educational activities that encourage their cognitive development. This can include reading books, practicing simple counting or alphabet exercises, or exploring age-appropriate educational apps or toys. Incorporating educational activities into your routine fosters a love for learning and helps prepare your toddler for future educational endeavors.
Creative Play and Free Time:
Allow your toddler to engage in creative play and independent exploration. Provide a safe and stimulating environment where they can freely explore their interests, engage in imaginative play, or work on simple arts and crafts projects. This unstructured playtime fosters their creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-expression.
Wind-Down Routine:
As the day winds down, establish a calming wind-down routine for your toddler. Incorporate relaxing activities such as reading a bedtime story, dimming the lights, and creating a cozy sleep environment. This routine signals to your toddler that it’s time to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
If you want your toddler to remember their routine, you can purchase a routine card and hang it in the appropriate room.
For instance, hang morning and bedtime routine cards in the bedroom; mealtime routine cards may be in the dining room; and bath routine cards may be in the bathroom.
You can also decide to set an alarm to remind them.
The best toddler alarm clocks
Sample of Stay-at-home Mom Routine with a Toddler
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wake up, morning cuddles |
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast: cereal chaos and fruit fun |
| 8:00 AM | Toddler Olympics in the living room |
| 9:30 AM | Creative playtime: crafts and tea parties with imaginary friends |
| 11:00 AM | Naptime for the little one, coffee break for me |
| 1:00 PM | Culinary adventures – lunch and battling picky eating |
| 2:30 PM | Afternoon playdates or park adventures |
| 5:00 PM | Wind down with quiet activities, maybe a toddler-friendly movie |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner preparation and family mealtime |
| 8:00 PM | Bedtime ballet – pajamas, toothbrushing, and bedtime stories |
| 9:00 PM | Tidying up and a moment of relaxation for mom |
| 10:00 PM | Lights out and a well-deserved rest |
Creating a stay-at-home mom routine with a toddler requires careful planning, flexibility, and an abundance of love. By incorporating bonding time, structured play, self-care, outdoor exploration, educational activities, and a consistent sleep routine, you can navigate the demands of motherhood with grace and joy.
Remember to embrace the spontaneity and cherish the special moments with your toddler, as these precious years will shape both of your lives. Find the balance that works for your family and enjoy the incredible journey of being a stay-at-home mom to a toddler.