Routines

People like to know what to expect and your children are no exception.  Routines provide that sense of stability and security.  Planning appointments and other activities is also easier when you know what is going on at any particular time or day.  I'm not talking about rigidity and regiments.  I'm talking about a basic framework for each day that everyone knows about and can depend on.  There needs to be room for flexibility or unexpected changes in the daily schedule but most things should stay the pretty much the same.  The time to get up in the morning, the time to go to bed and of course, naptime, should remain fairly constant, as should mealtimes. Plan a schedule that works for you and your family and try to stick with it long enough for it to become a habit.  See if it helps your day run smoother.  Kids will probably still test your limits occasionally and see what they can get away with but that's just what kids do!