Every toddler thrives on routine. A consistent schedule provides predictability, making them feel safe and secure and allowing them to focus on learning and mastering new skills.
We’re talking about balancing quiet time and play, flexibility and routine, and structured lessons and free-choice activities.
Let me share with you the toddler schedule I made for my girls, which I’ve been using for the last few years.
Key Takeaways
- A consistent daily routine creates security for toddlers and should include a balance of play, nutrition, rest, and physical activity, with a degree of flexibility for individual needs.
- Involving toddlers in chores like setting and clearing the table, food prep, and toy organization instills responsibility and independence, while physical activity is key for their development and stress relief.
- A structured bedtime routine aids in transitioning to sleep, and the entire schedule should balance routine with flexibility, allowing for the child’s growth and spontaneous activities.
- A few days will get out of whack, but that’s okay—toddler schedules don’t have to be strict; let yourself be flexible when fun things or meltdowns happen.
Toddler Schedule
Now, let’s examine my sample toddler schedule to see what a typical daily toddler schedule would look like.
Morning Routine
A toddler’s morning routine typically includes the basics:
- Wake up and get themselves dressed
- Eat breakfast
- Clean up after their meal
- Brush their teeth
- Interactive playtime
- A daily chore
This routine sets the tone for their day and ensures they start off on the right foot.
Using visual aids like this list can help them remember what they’re supposed to be doing and stay on task.
My schedule has some recommendations for activities to get them moving, plus some chores, but let me make some suggestions here:
Get Moving
Physical activity is a crucial part of a toddler’s daily schedule. It’s not just about burning off energy (although that’s certainly a bonus!).
The whole point is to make movement and exercise a big part of their day and, of course, make it fun!
I made suggestions for games that could be played inside or outside, for rainy day activities or on bright days.
Here are my girls’ favorite things to do almost every day of the week:
- Balloon Volleyball (Keepy Uppies for us Bluey fans!)
- Simon Says
- Bubble Chase
- Yoga
- Red Light, Green Light
- Treasure Hunt
But the beauty of play time and your kids growing up is being able to play more things and branch out.
You can play Follow The Leader, Alphabet Toy Hunt, play instruments, and much more.
Daily Chores
Daily chores are more than just tasks to be completed. They are a platform to teach your toddler responsibility and independence.
And the best part? Toddlers usually love helping out around the house!
I know plenty of chores for kids that you can add little by little to help your child become independent and ready to hit the ground running as a self-sufficient adult.
From as young as 18 months, toddlers can engage in simple tasks like setting the table, wiping down messes, picking up toys, and feeding pets with help.
Not only does this keep them engaged, but it also instills a sense of participation in household responsibilities.
Afternoon Routine
The afternoon routine for toddlers is all about recharging for the second half of the day after we eat lunch. This often includes:
- Nap time
- Learning activities
- Outside playtime
- Quiet time
- Snack time (not on my sheet, but it depends on what your kids need)
Nap time comes and goes for toddlers, and you should fit it into your schedule however you need.
My older daughter napped well until kindergarten when we had to transition her out of napping because her class didn’t have nap time.
My younger daughter had a lot of ups and downs with naps, LOL. So, we’ve already transitioned to nap time being her quiet hour, with just reading or drawing (aka no loud toys).
Even if your toddler resists napping, providing them with independent playtime during a quiet hour in their room can ensure they rest their minds a bit.
Then they can be ready for a fun afternoon together with some of my fun activities!
Learning Projects
As a teacher in a previous life, I can tell you that learning activities are an important and fun part of growing up, and they don’t have to be elaborate or anything!
Learning projects are an excellent way to promote cognitive development and creativity in your toddler.
Activities like sorting objects by type or color are effective for teaching young kids early mathematics and matching concepts.
Here are some easy tasks I do with my daughters:
- Alphabet/Shape Treasure Hunt
- Story Telling With Toys (especially the Bluey play sets!)
- Puzzle Time
- Music Practice
- Rhyme Time
- Simple Science Experiements.
My girls and I have made volcanoes, crystals in cups, color-changing flowers, the rainbow towel trick, and other easy science experiments that don’t take much time or money.
Going Out Ideas
Going out with your toddler doesn’t always mean a grand adventure. It can be as simple as a trip to the local park or library or even a play date with friends.
Regardless, these trips offer valuable experiences and learning opportunities for your toddler.
Activities like a nature hunt can help toddlers explore the good ole outdoors and learn about plants and animals.
Our nice spring and summer days are full of chalk drawing—we make obstacle courses, parking lots, and full neighborhoods on our driveway for the girls to bike and run around on!
We also have a small fairy garden in the backyard that we take care of. We clean it, move the furniture around, and put out little flowers like sacrifices, and the girls just play house with it sometimes.
Their imagination is endless and that can turn into some wild games to play outside.
Mindfulness Activities
In the hustle and bustle of a toddler’s day, mindfulness activities can often be overlooked.
These simple activities can guide kids to navigate their emotions, concentrate on tasks, and reduce stress in an engaging way.
I include mindfulness in our afternoon routine to help them transition from crazy, playful maniacs to girls calm enough not to yell and jump around at the dinner table.
Regular mindfulness is good for kids’ well-being and encourages independent play time all on their own.
So, every day, we end our play time (and meltdowns) with breathing exercises, yoga, and quiet meditation to put our minds and bodies at ease.
Bedtime Routine
The transition from day to night can be a challenge for many toddlers once they eat dinner and realize playtime for the day is over.
That’s where a consistent bedtime routine comes in. It helps signal to your toddler that it’s time to wind down and prepare for some good sleep that preps them for a new day of fun.
Bedtime routines can include activities like cleaning up, bathtime, reading a story, playing quiet music, and some relaxation before they lie down.
And remember, developing good sleep habits may take time and require patience and understanding. As they grow up, they’ll listen to their bodies’ needs—and miss nap time as much as I do!
FAQs
How can I structure my day with toddlers?
Structuring a day with a toddler involves a balance of:
- Consistent routines
- Meals
- Playtime
- Outdoor activities
- Planned activities or errands
- Naps or quiet times
It’s important to maintain regular routines but also allow flexibility to accommodate the varying needs and pace of your toddler.
Things get busy, meltdowns happen, and you need to go with the flow. As long as they have fun, get fed, and feel loved, the day is a success overall.
What’s a good schedule for a 2 or 3-year-old?
A good schedule for a 2 or 3-year-old includes:
- Consistent wake-up and sleep times (6-8 am)
- Breakfast
- Playtime
- Lunch
- Time for naps or quiet times
- Learning activities
- Outdoor activities
- Quiet time
Also, having dinner as a family and discussing the day’s activities can aid in your toddler’s communication skills, provide emotional support, and enhance family time.
How strict do I need to stick to our daily schedule?
While maintaining a consistent daily schedule is important for children to feel in control and secure, it’s also necessary to be flexible with routines.
Circumstances can change, and when they do, flexibility is key. Children should be prepared for these adjustments.
Remember, the purpose of a sample schedule is to provide structure and predictability, but it shouldn’t be so rigid that it becomes burdensome or prevents spontaneous and special events.
What are fun things I can do with a toddler?
Fun activities for toddlers can include:
- Playtime with toys and dress-up clothes
- Outdoor exploration
- Family yoga
- Dance parties
- Art projects
Indoor activities such as simple arts and crafts, educational games, and interactive play can also engage toddlers and provide fun learning opportunities.
What about screen time for my toddler?
In our house, screen time is a treat, not a given, and we don’t always have time for it every day.
My daughters understand that they may get up to an hour of screen time if they’ve been on their best behavior and have tidied up after their day’s activities.
It’s a system that works well for us, rewarding good behavior and the completion of daily chores with a bit of digital relaxation and game time.
Kelan will even get the Switch out so they can play Mario games together or Just Dance, which gets their little butts moving!
I’m mindful of the guidelines set by pediatric experts, who generally recommend no more than one hour of screen time per day for children under the age of five.
Final Thoughts
Establishing a well-rounded daily routine for your toddler can significantly contribute to their development and well-being.
From morning routines to bedtime rituals, each activity plays a crucial role in shaping your toddler’s day.
Whether it’s learning through play, participating in household chores, or practicing mindfulness, every experience is an opportunity for learning and growth.
Remember, consistency is key, but flexibility is equally important. Each day with your toddler is a new adventure, so enjoy the journey.
So go ahead, print my free toddler schedule, and see where the day takes you!
