Hi, friend! Before we even get into these routine tips, I just want you to know that I’m giving you a big virtual hug right now because toddler parenting can be tricky and is NOT for the faint of heart. It’s always super helpful for me to know that I’m in it together with other parents whose little ones do the same things mine do and that we’re all making it joyful one day at a time.

A majority of kids truly thrive when some structure is put in place. By creating a routine, you can help your little one’s days have a bit more predictability and offer some comfort in knowing what to expect from the day. So, here are 8 simple tips to help you create a routine with your toddler to give your day more structure.

Trying to set up a toddler routine or schedule at home? Check out these tips for creating a schedule for staying at home with your little one, including an idea for a daily visual schedule chart. Click the pin to read 8 simple tips!

1. Create a routine based on your normal, daily life.

In my opinion, THIS is the most important tip to keep in mind when creating a daily routine or schedule for your toddler. It’s easy to get sucked into creating a routine that looks like someone else’s, but I promise it will work a LOT better for you and your kiddo if you make it blend in with how your life naturally works.

For us, that means we usually wake up slowly, have some breakfast, play around the house, get outside for a bit before lunch, eat with a kid movie on, take a nap, do some more playing or outside time, have dinner, and start the bedtime shenanigans. But YOUR routine might look TOTALLY different and that’s super okay! :) I’d HIGHLY recommend that you include things in your routine that are expected, enjoyable, and “normal” for your toddler. Include things that you do on all or at least MOST days and then throw a few fun outings or events in there to keep it interesting once in awhile. But, most importantly, be true to you and include things in your routine that make sense and feel peaceful for you and your family.

2. Make a visual to follow.

Little ones don’t usually understand abstract concepts like time very well quite yet. So, having a way to SHOW them what the day will look like, what is happening now, and what will happen later on or next is a REALLY helpful way to get your toddler onboard with the routine. It’ll also help them understand and plan for what’s coming next, which can be really effective for managing emotions and will hopefully cut back on transition resistance (AKA complete and total meltdowns).

CLICK HERE to see the visual schedule I use with my little guy. It’s editable so you can change all the times and descriptions of what each part of the day includes. AND, it comes with picture cards for your kiddo to add to or take away from your routine mat as they start that part of it. My little one loves to pull the cards off as we start the next activity! :)

3. Commit to only what you can do.

Basically, DON’T OVERCOMMIT yourself. I’m totally convinced that toddlers can sense stress and they react to it with their own stress, which isn’t usually enjoyable for anyone. So, I’d recommend keeping your routine as stress-free as possible! :) Commit to activities and outings that you’ll be able to enjoy with your little one. Don’t try to pack the day with so many things that you feel stretched too thin or overwhelmed because then your kiddo is going to feel that way too. It’s okay to have some downtime, some time to play with toys independently, or even some time to watch a movie or use a kid-approved tablet! Just choose the activities and outings that will add some variety to your days without causing lots of stress.

4. Decide on a routine or a schedule.

Next, it’s smart to decide if you want to make a routine or a schedule. A routine is basically a sequence for how your normal days will go and is less tied to time deadlines as much as it is a “first, second, third” kind of structure. A schedule is made of certain activities happening at certain times throughout the day. So, I’d recommend figuring out if a routine or a schedule works best for you, your toddler, you personality, and your life.

Personally, if I stick to a STRICT schedule of “we do THIS at THIS time EVERY day”, it stresses me out to the MAX if that thing doesn’t happen at that time. So, a routine that we follow that loosely happens around the same times every day works better for my control freak self. Haha! :) But, knowing yourself well and managing your expectations for the day can definitely lower the stress of the day as well as help you accomplish the goals you’ve set for yourself and your kiddo.

5. Mix it up.

Toddlers usually have a LOT of energy. Wish I could steal some sometimes! Haha! But, because of all that energy, they need to participate in a variety of activities to keep their bodies and minds occupied and growing. So, planning your day with “up-then-down activities” is a great way to keep everyone moving, learning, and happy. “Up-then-down activities” are just what it says…you do an “up activity” that’s super active and high energy followed by a “down activity” that’s calmer and lower energy. This might look like riding bikes on the sidewalk for 15 minutes, then reading books for 10-15 minutes…then, playing outside with the water table for 30 minutes before coming in to eat lunch and watch Daniel Tiger for 15 minutes. You get the idea! But doing those high energy things allow toddlers to use their wiggliness in a productive way before we need them to sit still for a short amount of time.

Another way to mix it up is to plan activities outside the home (when convenient and advisable) a few times a week. In a normal week, we obviously do several up-then-down sequences and have our regular nap and meal times, but we also throw in a few things to do outside the house. Usually, we go to a play group on Monday morning for an hour or two and on Fridays, there is story time at the library. Having those set times for outings gives us something to look forward to, as well as provides some structure for our week.

6. Be flexible.

Regardless of how well you’ve planned out your day, there will definitely be bumps and roadblocks from time to time that stop it from going the way you expected or planned. Try to hold your routine, schedule, and plans loosely if possible. I’m a self-proclaimed “control freak” and honestly have to manage my expectations for the day a LOT or else I get super overwhelmed and stressed out and irritable. I always try to have a few ideas for “back up plans” in case the original routine doesn’t happen like planned. Try to stay flexible and go with it when things get messy!

7. Go outside.

This is a simple tip, but it’s seriously SO helpful. If you or your little one are feeling cranky or need to hit the reset button for the day, try going on a walk or bouncing a ball together. Pull out the bubbles or the chalk or the water table…all that sunshine and fresh air is an awesome way to refocus and calm down. And on rainy days, opening a window to read or color next to or sitting on the porch to listen to the rain and color with chalk is a happy way for everyone to breathe and start again.

8. Give lots of GRACE.

Friends, just give yourself (and your little one) a LOT of grace. Parenting requires so much patience and endurance and creativity and hard work. But, regardless of what happens throughout your day, every minute is a chance to refresh and start again. So, even when your routine isn’t happening or the schedule is all messed up or your stress levels are through the roof, give yourself some grace and know that you’re doing the best you can. Giving yourself and your toddler new chances to try again creates a safe space for both of you to learn and fail and persevere through hard things. You can do this…and so can your tiny one. They’re learning IMMENSE amounts of knowledge from you every day. You’re both doing GREAT. And there’s always enough grace to cover the messes, friend. Always.

Okay, there you have it…my 8 tips for creating a routine for your toddler! I hope that creating a routine for your little guy or gal makes your daily life a LOT calmer, more structured, and happier. Feel free to let me know if you have questions. :)

Cheering you on!