Sometimes I wonder if having too much routine for my LO will impact her ability to be flexible and creative as she grows up. Do you think this is possible?
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Hurmm. I don't think so. But it's possible?
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Personally, I think all kids need down time to play and be creative. I'm going to try to avoid too many structured activities because research has shown kids need down time to process everything they've learned, recharge and develop their ability to creatively problem-solve. Plus, I don't want to stress myself out by trying to get my LO from activity to activity!
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@Goldilocks1107: very true, i watch my SIL frenetically shuttling her kids from one activity to another and it is exhausting just to watch. i was more thinking about doing the same things at the same time every day. like giving my LO a bath at the same time every day. but i am thinking that those things are ok since some structure is good?
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I think bedtime routines are great, gets the LO prepared to go down for the night, but during the day I keep it loose. I think if routines are too strict then everything goes to hell if you are off one day.
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I don't think it's possible to have too much schedules and routine with LO's. We try our best to keep a routine, but something happens and changes it and it's just life. I think like with LO's is unpredictable, and if you are managing to keep a constant schedule every day, than wow, that's amazing!
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It depends on the what the schedule/routine is. If the schedule includes time for the child to play and do creative things then that should be fine
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I think schedules and routines are a good thing for some people well into their adult lives. I don't think I am any less creative because I like to keep a schedule.
What I don't agree with is strict adherence to a schedule at all costs. That can be annoying for everyone involved.
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@Andrea: Oh yeah, I think those routines are good, and almost essential to having a happy healthy toddler (and mommy!). I figure as LO gets older, the routine will naturally evolve to fit what she needs at that stage of development (sleep and meal-wise).
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I agree with other posters-- I myself can't live without a schedule, and I think growing up with certain habits (a fixed bedtime, fixed meal times, etc) is a good thing. But part of my scheduling is scheduling in time to be creative and just play.
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@artbee: i don't sacrifice her sleep to go out so her bath is just before her bedtime every night - which we never change. and she is happy enough to sleep at the same time every night although she is starting to fight it a little bit so she just might be ready for a later bedtime since she is almost 2.
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Structure and routine are wonderful! Kids need routine and structure... at least, that's what Super Nanny taught me.
The one caveat I can think of is that if your kids are on a really regimented schedule of sleeping at home at the same time every day, that can really limit your flexibility. If they can take a nap in a stroller for example, it's a lot easier for us to take the kids on a longer trip to check out the zoo. Otherwise, we have to stay close to home and plan around that.
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@mrbee: haha. no worries about that for me!! the LO does not nap at home so we are never home!
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@Andrea: I think kids need some structure like that. But I'm sure for the most part things change every day, like you don't do the same exact thing every single day with her. We also have an 8 oclock bath time, and bed time right after that. But if for some reason we need to skip bath (like if I have a bad migraine) we do, and she doesn't care one bit.
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I think it really depends on the child.
I think routines such as bedtime routines are good because it signifies to the child it's bedtime. But not to the point where they are cranky if they are not asleep by x time.
I'm not entirely convinced kids need EXACT structure. I think kids are way more flexible than we give them credit for.
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@artbee: no, there is still lots of variety in her life. We always do different activities and take her to new places for exposure as well.
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15 comments