Daily Summer Schedule for Your Toddler
Are you looking for an example of a simple daily summer schedule for your toddler? Then keep reading to learn about our toddler’s daily schedule in the summer.
If you are a mom of a toddler, you know how hard it can be to find ways to entertain your child all day long. Here, you will find how I handle it and what our daily schedule and routine looks like any given summer day.
For reference, I am a work from home mom, so the majority of the activities you will see are things you can do without leaving your house. If you are also a work from home mom, this will be a great daily schedule for you and your toddler!
Schedule vs. Routine
There is a difference between a schedule and a routine.
A schedule is fixed; it does not change much. There is not a lot of movement built into your day. In my experience, a strict schedule is not ideal for most toddlers. Toddlers are unpredictable, and trying to stick to a rigid timetable will leave you feeling frustrated when things do not go as planned, instead of enjoying your time with your precious toddler.
A routine, on the other hand, is a movement of your day. It allows for flexibility. You do not have to watch the clock constantly, and it can bring more enjoyment for both you and your toddler.
My toddler thrives in an environment that feels predictable and steady (and I know many toddlers do too). That is why I actually use a combination of both a schedule and a routine. His wake up time, meals, and bedtime are on a schedule. Everything else in our day is a more flexible routine.
(Of course, every child is different. Some may actually do better with more structure. Find what works best for your family.)
Below, you will see there are time stamps for his wake up time, lunch, quiet time, dinner, and bedtime. The rest of our day’s activities timing flows based on our interests and moods.
For example, sometimes we will use our outside time to take a walk around the neighborhood, but when we get home, he still wants to spend time playing in the backyard; and that is okay. Because we follow a routine, I can adjust our day without stressing about the time and still keep our daily rhythm steady.
Routine
7:45 – 8:15 am – Wake up
Cuddle Time on Couch
We sit on the couch together as soon as he wakes up. We might spend this time in silence, reading books, or listening to music; depending on our moods that morning.
Get Dressed
Breakfast
Outside Time
Free Play
Screen Time
I use screen time to give myself a chance to prepare lunch. Since I am also a nanny, I do not just make lunch for my own toddler, but I prepare lunch for three to four other toddlers as well.
11:15 am – Lunch
Free Play
After many years of nannying toddlers, I have learned not to wait too long between finishing lunch and quiet time. I recommend no more than an hour before putting them down to hopefully sleep. If you wait too long, they will get a post-lunch energy boost and you see you having a successful quiet time going down the drain!
Between 12:30-1 pm – Quiet Time (lasts at least an hour)
Quiet time is important for your toddler to rest, but it is also just as important for you! Having a chance to sit, rest, or get something done without your “helpful” toddler at your side can help you stay grounded in this joyful but often exhausting season of life as a toddler mom.
Snack Time
Free Play
5ish – Dinner
Family Time
Bedtime Routine
Usually includes a bath, brushing teeth, and cuddle time with Dad while he reads a Bible devotion before saying goodnight.
7pm – Bedtime
Daily Summer Schedule for Your Toddler
I hope this example of our daily summer schedule helps you craft a fun, stress-free routine that works for you and your toddler.
Remember, what matters most is creating a loving and secure environment where your little one is free to learn, love, and grow! Feel free to adjust the schedule to meet your family’s unique needs, and don’t forget to give yourself grace along the way.
Enjoy your summer and the special memories you are creating together!
To help my toddler I made him a daily routine chart to put on our wall. If you would like to see how I made it you can find my blog post on it here.
