22 Steps to Toddler Days
Learning the 22 steps to toddler days can alleviate some of the guesswork. We all know toddlers are a breed of their own. No longer a baby by community standards but equally as needy, when they allow it. Testing boundaries, expanding vocabulary, finding his inner athleticism all while still needing to be coddled if the big, bright world feels too overwhelming. Especially if he is hearing the words “no, don’t touch that and stop” all day long. It takes patience, consistency, humor and creativity to parent this bunch, but I assure you it can be done. Start by focusing on what you can do to preempt the behaviors you don’t want. Use the acronym H.A.L.T or Hungry, Angry, Lonely Tired to prepare for your day. If you can prevent outbursts and meltdowns you can enjoy a great day with him. After all, dealing with a crabby toddler is only going to make a crabby mom or dad. SAHM version of a toddler day Try these great strategies to help keep you on track of the 22 steps to toddler days: Wake up– Try to be consistent with time of day. Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or just plain cuddling is fine for a little while, but as soon as he is leaving your side it’s time to get up and face the day. ESTIMATE 20 MINUTES Change diaper or use the potty and get dressed– make a game of it by singing or counting. ESTIMATE 15 MINUTES Wash up and brush teeth– Use a special song that will keep him brushing longer. Something that really gets his attention, only for this time of day. Don’t stress, just make it fun. Eventually he will brush better. ESTIMATE 10 MINUTES Play with toys while you prepare food and or tend to your own needs (vitamins, coffee etc.)- You can use your own kitchen tools to entertain baby. Matter of fact set aside a lower cabinet that baby can use whenever he wants. Put only the safest FUN interesting dishes in there. Start with pots and pans, plastic or wooden spoons, spatulas, cups, measuring spoons, Tupperware etc. You don’t need much for your little one to be entertained. Only let him into this cabinet when you need distractions while cooking or in the kitchen. ESTIMATE 15 MINUTES Eat a well-balanced breakfast– this may be the only decent meal you can get into a busy toddler. See if you can offer all the food groups in small quantities to cover your bases. Try to sit with him at the table and make it a morning routine. Even if you offer a piece of apple, an egg with spinach and a few beans you’ve done a great job. Some toddlers eat best when on the go. It’s ok for now. You can try table meals again in a few weeks or months when he has a better attention span and is intrigued by you sitting at the table. ESTIMATE 15 MINUTES WHEW, you’ve done all of this and it’s only 9am! Congratulations, now you know the busy beaver is set up for success! Most will be getting ready for a nap within 2 hours of waking. Don’t let that window slip away. It’s important to honor that first nap to be successful for the rest of the day. Ideally, try to have your planned activities ready the night before. This can be anything from a simple craft to a hike in the woods. Be consistent with your 22 steps-when possible: Most toddlers have a ton of energy, so it’s best to use a physical activity after breakfast when possible. You can both get some exercise and start the day feeling energized. A walk around the block, running in the yard, attempt a game of catch and throw, ride on toys in your driveway or go for a brisk walk/run with baby in stroller. If you put him in a stroller, keep in mind he will still need to release some excess liveliness when you return. ESTIMATE 30-45 MINUTES Change diaper wash up and prepare for naptime– again, it’s great if you can stick to routine and matter of fact behavior on your part. Kids thrive on consistency at this age. 10am-12pm ish could be NAP TIME- even if your child will not nap, teach him that it’s time to rest. Create a space that is acceptable to you for him to do this. Maybe it’s alone in his room or crib/bed or perhaps you will lay down with him for some R&R yourself. It’s perfectly fine to still be cuddling or nursing to sleep if that works for your family. Either way if you set the stage for what is appropriate and what is not tolerated, he will eventually come around. Just be sure to clear the environment of distractions (including devices) as much as possible and set the ambience to avoid any meltdowns. ESTIMATE 1-2 HOURS It’s YOU time– use your time wisely. Sitting on your phone scrolling through memes and other people’s lives when you hear that first call for mom or dad will set the stage for the rest of your day. It is important to do SOME adulting tasks but allow yourself to revel in the quiet as well. A nap is ok too. Repeat steps 1-4- this time it will be faster since you won’t need teeth and dressing time, plus you aren’t as sleepy. ESTIMATE 15-30 minutes Lunch time– keep it simple with good food groups and accept that snacking is a toddler thing. Try plain yogurt with granola and berries if he is willing to sit still. Otherwise, peanut or almond butter on banana or multi grain toast or crackers. After lunch and before the next nap is a good time to run errands or meet friends for a playdate. Just make it relatively short ESTIMATE 1-2 hours At home activities– have a few things ready to challenge his mind if you won’t be running errands. Try some of these
