When Hayden was about 6 months old we decided to get him on a routine. His pedi recommended we do “Cry It Out”. I didn’t want to do hard core CIO, so we decided on a modified method. We put him in his crib, giving him lots of kisses and hugs and then walked away. We went in to reassure after 2 minutes, then another 2 minutes and another 2. That first night was hard and there were tears from all of us. I wanted to quit. But we stuck through it and after 3 nights Hayden was sleeping through the night and has continued to ever since. But I don’t want to get into a pro CIO/anti CIO debate (because I know it’s out there!).
The point is routine. We have Hayden on such a routine that everyone comments on it. He wakes up at the same time in the morning. He has snack time at 11am and knows it. He will go into the kitchen and get in his chair and wait for his snack. He knows when Phineas and Ferb is on and will try and turn on the TV.
He asks for nap time and will crawl into my lap for his downtime before nap. We sit in the dark and watch a little TV or chat. He then always takes a 3-4 hour nap.
When he goes to Grandma’s house for his weekly visit at 6pm he drags his booster seat to her kitchen table and tells her “Eat!”. He knows that he has a bath after and goes to the bathroom and waits. When it’s 9pm and time to go he grabs his backpack and brings Grandma her shoes.
So when people want to get together at a time that will take Hayden away from his routine, I’m very hesitant. But I know that I should. It’s partly because I don’t want to deal with a toddler that is screaming and throwing tantrums.
When on vacation last week I tried to stick to his routine as much as possible, but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to as much as I wanted.
And you know what?
I’m glad we didn’t.
I think Hayden needs to go off routine once in awhile and I do too. If I had stuck to his routine during vacation I would have missed…
~The joy of watching Hayden run around the Disney store during what should have been nap time.
~Letting Hayden have a funnel cake for the first time during snack time.
~Staying up late and watching “Up”.
~Hayden skipping his nap but being so tired at 6pm that he crawled into Heath’s lap for a hug and then fell asleep.
and so much more. He didn’t take a nap one time while we were on vacation. We were exhausted, but it was so worth it! We definitely have to go off routine more!
Good for you for being brave enough to venture off schedule. It's important for the kiddo, too. They need to know not everything will always go as planned.
What a little cutie! Routine is so important for all children and I think for most adults. I always have my daughter in bed by bedtime. She cut out her naps early on, so I know a full nights sleep is really important. Have a great night! I would love for you to come and grab my Thanksgiving Thursday button and join in. I will put your link. Just let me know if you do so I can add you!
Mama Hen
I can totally relate. I hated getting Ryan off of his routine when he was smaller because it usually resulted in a meltdown from an overtired baby. Now that he's 2, it's much easier to veer off the routine and just ENJOY life! The weekends now don't have a set bedtime and we just go and have fun. I am a stickler for routine during the week. He has breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, nap & bed all at his regular times. He is a great kid for it too. They love to know what's coming next!
sounds like a wonderful trip!
Routine is very important to kids. It gives them a certain amount of comfort to know what to expect next and keeps them calm. However, it is crucial to also teach them to be flexible in that routine. Not everyday is going to be the exact same, and when they get older they'll need the skills to be able to adjust to change and make decisions quickly. With some of the kids I worked with who were autistic (Hayden isn't, but autistic kids thrive on routines like this) I would have the parents give them a kind of "run down of the day" to help them get ready for changes in routine. If the kid at least knows what to expect it can be easier on them.
We love routine in this house. But we also know that there are times that in no way are we able to keep to the schedule. And we have learned that as long as she gets what she needs everything is fine. When were home we continue to stick to the schedule. But with summer here weekends will be tough on the routine.
we like routines too and will is the same way. but you are right it is really good for them to go off routine every once in a while…keeps them guessing and worn out!!!
Routines are a good thing….but straying once in awhile never hurts….as you learned. I wish I had my kids on a routine more like you when they were younger. Neither one of them ever took a 3-4 hr nap. Lucky you 🙂
I find myself being routine crazy too many times. I get all stressed if I need to go somewhere and I know that it will be nap or feeding time. I know routines are great, and I've seen them work for my son, but I need to relax and enjoy life, not the routine.
Dude I am so jealous of your routine. Daycare doesn't really afford us the option to be the only one in charge of the routine. While they certainly have ranges when things happen (naps from 11-2, etc.) it's not a hard and fast rule every day. I would love having a schedule that's a bit more set.
getting off the routine once in awhile isnt so bad. everytime i bring my son to grandma's, the routine goes out the window…
i gave you 2 awards. go get it 🙂
Yep, I totally agree. Schedules/routines are needed for day-to-day life…but vacations/visits/special occasions are another story! I have friends that are hard core, never mess with the schedule type people. That would NEVER work here!
Now that's very cool that you have the flexibility to let it ride from time to time and go with the flow. Excellent!
I used to be routine-oriented, but now, I've discovered I'm a lot more spontaneous!
Now following!
I wish I had a routine with my daughter. She takes late naps and refuses to sleep at night. It's so hard, plus she is 3 and doesn't want to miss out on anything. I'm your newest follower through Friendly Friday. Have a wonderful weekend!
We do routine with my two little ones, and so glad we have…they both go to sleep with no difficulty ever…three to four hour naps in the afternoon…and never a problem getting them to bed at night..in fact if we are late, my one year old will say night night and go to bed…LOL! Following you now..Have a great weekend!
He looks adorable!
New follower here from Friday Follow. Would love to welcome you to my place. Hope to hear from you soon.
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner?
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com