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Toddler

The Crucial Elements of a Rock-Solid Toddler Schedule

Want a schedule that will work well with your toddler? Here are the key elements to any successful toddler schedule or routine.

Those first days with baby are so magical…

Baby eats. Baby sleeps. Baby lays there looking all cute and squishy.

And then… they grow into toddlers. 

Toddlers who are all over the place. They like to pack things then unpack them. They want to walk and fall and walk and fall and toddle around the house creating a trail of destruction behind them.

Toddlers walk, talk, and are Big Balls of Energy. They are amazingly cute and so fun to cuddle and, man oh man, they are a handful.

Toddlers are a handful!

No longer can you sit your little baby on a blanket while you go about your business. Now… now you got a little mobile human on your hands and the days aren’t quite as predictable.

The days start to seem longer and harder to fill. You feel a bit at the mercy of your toddler’s behavior and emotions.

And, if we aren’t careful, we begin to let our little ones start to determine the course of the day. Sometimes this is completely fine. Other times this results in overtired and fussy toddlers who need a little help.

Good thing we’re the moms!

printable routine cards for toddler schedule and toddler routine

Teach your toddler to follow their routine with printable routine cards.  

Sample Toddler Schedules

Here are a few sample toddler schedules, depending on your child’s age, and then below we’ll get into all the elements that go into a good routine, and how you can make it work for you.

After you read these sample schedules, keep reading for tips on toddler daytime routines. 

Sample Early Toddler Schedule 

7:00 am – Wake up for the day, eat, play

9:00 am – Nap

11:00 pm – Wake up, play, small snack

12:00 pm – Eat with family

1:00 pm – Nap (naps just after lunch help keep the little one asleep longer)

3:00 to 3:30 pm – Wake up, snack, play with family

5:30 pm – Dinner with family

6:30 pm – Bath, wind down routine, settled for bed

7:00 pm – Feed then down to bed

Now here’s a sample toddler schedule for an 18 month old. This will be similar to the 1 year old sleep schedule I have here.

Sample Mid-Aged Toddler Schedule

8:00 am – Wake up, eat breakfast

9:00 am – Independent playtime

10:00 am – Snack, errands, outside play, education activities, crafts, exercise, etc.

11:30 am – Reading time with mom

12:00 pm – Lunch

1:00 pm – Lunch

3 to 3:30 pm – Wake up, snack, play until dinner

5:30 pm – Dinner with family

7:00 pm – Wind down routine, reading books with family, bath, getting ready for bed

8:00 pm – Bedtime

Here’s a quick video on something important for 1 year olds’ routine, you’ll love this!

So that’ll get us to the 2 year mark or so, here’s a schedule for older toddlers.

Sample Older Toddler Schedule (2 to 3 years)

6:30 am – Wake up, read books, play quietly

7:00 am – Breakfast, clean up table area, morning chores

8:00 am – Play independently

8:45 am – Run errands, play outside, do homeschool preschool or learning activity, free play

9:30 am – Snack

12:00 pm – Lunch with family

1:00 pm – Down for nap, if child is going through a sleep regression, still put your toddler down for a rest, they are likely to fall asleep

3:00 pm – Wake up, have snack, play quietly, cuddle time with mom

6:00 pm – Dinner with family

6:45 pm – Wind down, bedtime routine, bath

7:30 pm – Bedtime

Independent play (playing on their own) for toddlers

For little ones, you may have them play in a pack ‘n play or their crib. You’ll give a few toys and then walk away, allowing them to explore. This Quiet Time can be valuable.

Naturally, you’ll remain where you can see them and hear them, but don’t stand in view. If your toddler sees you standing there they won’t calm down long enough to engage in play.

The goal is for them to begin to play on their own without having to be entertained. There’s a big difference between playing and being entertained.

Related Reads:


Chores or “Help” Time

Even little toddlers can learn to clan up after themselves and help mommy and daddy. When creating your toddler schedule, think about the little things you do throughout the day without even thinking.

The first “chore” I taught my 2 year old was how to straighten the pillows in his crib before he gets out in the morning. He simply picks up the pillow and puts it at the end of the crib. Then he adds a toy or two and, voila!

He’s “made his bed.”

Family Practices & Contribution

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No Nag Chore Routines

Getting kids to do chores shouldn’t be a daily battle. Let me help you build a simple, age-appropriate system that teaches independence, teamwork, and responsibility—without constant micromanaging. Because a well-run home isn’t about doing it all yourself.
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chore cards for toddler schedule and toddler routine
Printable chore cards to help your little one learn to contribute. 

This age is magical. Children love to be with you and help you do many things. They can learn to put their toys back up. In fact, after independent play you can ask them to put toys back into a basket or toy box.

You’d be surprised how easy it is for children to pick up on this habit. In fact, when they are still little they think it’s fun.

Age Appropriate Chores for Toddlers

  • Straighten bed or crib
  • Put clothes in laundry hamper
  • Sweep (or help use dustpan)
  • Bring their dishes to the dishwasher or sink
  • Fold small towels
  • Wipe down table
  • Wipe cabinets
  • Clean toilet with brush

Read: The Ultimate Household Chore List

Time for Books – Important In A Toddler Schedule

My first two children would sit through an endless stack of books from a very young age. My third and fourth would not.

Please, whatever you do, do not stop reading because you have active little ones who struggle to sit still. Read anyway. Require them to sit still for a bit and then, if they want to play on the ground quietly while you read, let them.

Reading increases vocabulary, promotes literacy, and makes the child’s world richer. It helps the learn to listen, comprehend, and is a special time between child and mom where the rest of the world stands still.

Read: How To Read To Kids Who Won’t Sit Still


Reading is a great way to help busy toddlers wind down as well so reading before nap and bed is a good way to fit it in while helping your child get into a calm state.

If they aren’t enthusiastic readers (or listeners) but are very interested in a particular thing, like dinosaurs, then read as many books as you can on this subject.

Children love this interaction with mom so try and fit this in throughout the day.

Read: Curious Behaviors That Come With Toddler Teething

A Regular Bed Time with Toddler Wind Down Routines

I have heard people say numerous times, “He won’t go to sleep until 9 or later. He just refuses.”

To this I want to humbly encourage you, strong mama, that you are the mother.

You choose the bedtime.

Yes, you can only lead a horse to water and not make him drink… but not leading your toddler to bed will mean he definitely doesn’t sleep.

And when it’s at a proper time that allows for adequate sleep, you AND your little fiery toddler will thank you. And know that, if you don’t have a consistent, you’ll have a lot more bedtime battles.

Read: The Smart Toddler Bedtime Routine

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Sleep Little Lamb (Ages 0-5)

Moms will walk away with a step-by-step sleep plan tailored to their child’s age and needs, designed to improve sleep within 3 days to 2 weeks.
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How to choose a bedtime for your 2 or 3 year old

Decide a bedtime based on what works for your family. Most kids up until the age of 6 or 7 go to bed by 7:30  or 8:00 pm. This allows for 10 to 12 hours of nighttime sleep.

Younger toddlers can often seem to get more energetic as the evening progresses, but rest assured, this is a sign of over tiredness, not a sign they should stay up later. In fact, if your toddler wakes up at 6:30 p.m., you might be surprised to know they might fall asleep easily at 6:30 p.m.

Regardless of what time you choose, implement a wind down routine to go along with it.

Read: 5 Instant Ways To Get Hyper Kids To Settle Down

wind down routine cards for toddler schedule and toddler routine
Printable bedtime and wind down routine cards

This might be a bath, a bedtime snack, reading, singing, or cuddle time with mom or dad. Try and find some types of activities that are calm, quiet, and help your toddler’s baby and mind to settle down and prepare to sleep.

This is also the age where fear of the dark comes in, so use this 10 second trick so your toddler doesn’t become too scared of the dark. If your toddler is used to going to sleep at the same time each night their bodies will get used to it.

Pretty soon, right around bedtime, they’ll start yawning and rubbing their eyes.

This is the magic of a consistent bedtime. 

Read: The Nap Trap- How to Deal with It and Not Resist It

Time is so precious…

The toddlers years can seem so difficult while we’re in them. We are constantly hyper-vigilant and feel emotionally exhausted by the end of the day. But it does get better.

They grow up and get bigger. 

They become more independent and less needy. 

And they stop throwing as many tantrums. 

So in the meantime, mama, as you are navigating the mines of toddlerhood, take heart.

“The days are long, but the years are short.”

Sources:

A Calm Down Trick That Works Wonders

This calm down trick will help even the most hyper and wild toddler calm down and rest. Keep this tool in your hat with your little one.

The day started much like any other. Two of my sons (3 and 2 years old at the time) were getting on each other’s nerves. They struggle to play together since they want the same exact toy.

Namely, whatever toy the other one has.

My daughter was probably bossing them around loudly, as she is wont to do, and my little crawler was moving around being perfect since he couldn’t speak and therefore had no attitude.

Making him highly cuddle-able….

little boy reading

Finally, the noise got too much and I’d had it Up To Here. Then…

A lightbulb moment of genius. 

I told the kids we were going to have “relax time” and that it was going to be fabulous. We’d calm down, get some Peace and Quiet, and a bit of relaxing rest.

I talked it up positively and pretty soon they thought it was a good idea. We’ve never looked back.

A Calm Down Trick: “Relax Time”

This is great for toddlers, preschoolers, and even elementary aged kids.

Get some books

First, to help get them to cooperate, I ask them to pick out a few books they’d like to read. If I choose their books it never works as well.

They each get three or four (or more if they are enthusiastic) and go to their seats. Sometimes choosing a seat is a slight battle, but quietly we get seated. I get a book and sit down too!

Read: The Best Christian Children’s Books

Read or browse quietly

There are no strict rules here, except that we want to look at our books and have some quiet time. We are all still in the same room together so there’ll be occasional comments, but if they get too chatty I’ll shush them.

In fact, they often shush each other.

I will intersperse phrases like “Oh, it’s so nice and relaxing to put up our feet, isn’t it?”

 I really ham it up. Ham works.

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Our rule: only get out of your seat to get another book

Sometimes they like to push the envelope and browse their books super fast so they can go get another. As long as they are quiet and not disturbing the rest of us, I ignore their games.

Soon, they are actually interested in a book and calmed down. Aside from pottying, they can’t just leave “relax time” cause they feel like it. I’ve actually read a few chapters of a book at once during this time.

Read: Books To Decompress A Stressed Mama

Use a timer

I’ve talked a lot about how timers are wonder workers, and this case is no exception. A timer is handy if children are reluctant to start something they aren’t super excited about.

By saying, “I’m setting the timer for x minutes and then we’ll do y,” you gain cooperation much more peacefully.

Next time the kids are going nutso and you are losing it and you need some order and quiet… try “relax time.” You’ll be amazed!

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::

Surviving Time Change Disruptions with Babies and Toddlers

The time change can cause sleep issues with babies and toddlers, getting them off their routines and causing them to wake up early or stay up late.

The TIME CHANGE…

Dum dum dum…

“Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change.” Thomas Hardy

It’s a common thing, being bothered by the change. Pre-motherhood it is only vaguely uncomfortable, but with children it can be truly disruptive.

Whether you are a go with the flow personality type (the Calm + Steady and Fun + Energetic) or lean toward planning and preparation (the Confident + Take Charge and Strong + Deliberate) it’s a good idea to have a basic game plan in place for the sake of your lovely offspring. It’s tough on them too!

If you’re serious about going through the time change without having crying screaming babies for a week or two, I’d suggest using a daily baby log for a while until it passes.

Option #1 – Start Preparing a Week Ahead Of The Time Change…

Many mothers prefer to gradually shift their schedule over a week until the time change occurs. This means that on the day or so after the time has changed, they’re already back on schedule.

➡️ You might do this shift in 15 minutes or so per day.

So for a normal bedtime of 7:00 pm before the SPRING time change, you may do the following:

  • Tuesday night: 6:45 pm bedtime
  • Wednesday night: 6:30 pm bedtime
  • Thursday night: 6:15 pm bedtime
  • Friday night: 6:00 pm bedtime
  • Saturday night 6:00 pm bedtime
  • Sunday night: 7:00 pm bedtime (adjusted to the new time change)

If you prefer to do it gradually, this will work.

The children may be off kilter slightly throughout the week and their morning wake times will also need to begin adjusting backwards, but as soon as the actual weekend comes you’ll be nearly set.

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This workshop will give you a simple, sanity-saving bedtime system that actually works—one that helps your kids wind down, fall asleep without endless stalling, and stay asleep (so you can finally get some rest).
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How to shift the schedule, another example

Choose a gradual goal (often works best for young children who are prone to overtiredness) of 15-minute increments. So, if your child normally sleeps until 7am but will now, after the clocks fall back, wake up at 6am, make 6:15am your goal for the first morning. The next morning, 6:30am is your new goal, then 6:45, then 7am by day 4.

This means DO NOT start the day by getting baby up, getting breakfast, etc. right when they wake up. Leave them in the dark, quiet room until the set wake-up time for that day. I know this will feel hard, but the alternative is starting their day at the (new) 6am time and being stuck there forever! (Only slightly exaggerating.) Light, food, and social interaction set our bodies’ internal clocks, so avoid those things until the new start time. 

You can also start this shift the night before. Push bedtime out by 15-60 minutes on the night before, depending on your child’s age. For babies, we recommend going with smaller increments, for older kids, they can likely handle 30-60 minutes, which may help the adjustment go more quickly.

Let your kid stay up a bit past their bedtime – but not too much. You don’t want to keep them up 2 hours past bedtime and throw a bunch of overtired hormones into the cocktail of sweets and sleep deprivation. But do push it a little bit, and then apply the strategies for morning to continue the later shift.

Or Go Cold Turkey The Day After The Time Change

If you, like me, are a “cold turkey” type of person, then you can wait until the day after the time change and carry on your baby routine, toddler routine, preschooler routine, or school routines as normal.

➡️ Your children will still be slightly off, but they will gradually adjust the week after the time has changed.

If you are home with all of your children, this will not necessarily disrupt your everyday routine as much as it does for children who must get up for school or daycare.

Cold turkey means that you do breakfast, lunch, dinner, naps and bedtime at the same time (by the clock) as you’ve always done. This will mean their little metabolisms and circadian rhythms aren’t synced with your routine as they were the week before, but they will get there. They will!

Either way, adjusting will happen. You can choose to do it beforehand or after, it’s all up to you. 

Don’t let your child decide the new start time of the day

The number one mistake most parents make with the time change on that first morning when the clocks have fallen back and your child wakes up at the butt-crack of dawn, is to get them up for the day right when they wake up. 

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This 10-day reset will help you uncover what’s wearing you down (spoiler: it’s not just lack of sleep), set boundaries without guilt, and finally create space to breathe again. Because burnout isn’t your personality—it’s a signal things need to change.
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Practical Considerations When Helping Babies & Toddlers With The Fall Or Spring Time Changes

The weeks leading up to the time change, the sun will come out earlier and your children may wake up before you’d like. Even if you’re doing all you can to get your kids to sleep later, it’s the sun’s fault.

Don’t take the blame!

The same things that will help keep your children well-rested and in their rooms during time change as during the rest of the year, but here are a few things you may want to consider.

  • Extra black out blinds | Here are some that are temporary and can be used multiple times in different rooms.
  • Stay in Bed Until Clock | This clock helps teach your child when it’s okay for them to get out of bed and begin their day.
  • Eye masks | My daughter loves using her eye mask to keep light out. I would only recommend this for preschool age and up, but it helps with naps as well.

Depending on whether it’s fall or spring, I get some of these for the bedroom windows or this interesting clock to keep your kids in bed.

How The Time Change Affects Eating

This is MAJOR!

The reason time changes can throw babies and toddlers for a loop is because their bodies acclimate to the times at which they eat. Do you eat lunch at the same time every day? Isn’t that the exact time the body sends your brain hunger cues?

Same with babies and toddlers. For a few days your baby or toddler will still be ready to eat at the pre-time change time. If you normally serve lunch at 12, after the time changes they will feel hungry at 11 (or 1) for a few days.

I’d encourage you to fill them up at correct meal times, offer a nice healthy snack, then try to drag out mealtimes until the new time. It might not seem like it matters, except it does for the next reason….

Time Change Affects Sleep In Babies & Toddlers

Just as our bodies get used to eating at certain times, so they do with sleeping. In fact, your kids might wake early, sleep late or find it hard to get to sleep. These are to be expected and can be waited out.

Try to keep your same schedule as before (but on the new time) and gradually work towards being super consistent. For babies or young toddlers with high sleep needs, try to prevent overtiredness and put them down early if needed.

Babies are likely to wake early from naps whether because they’re used to waking at that time or because they’re hungry earlier than normal. This is okay. Again, try to wait to feed until the desired schedule time while making sure their needs are met.

Utilize light exposure to help through the time change

This is important first thing in the morning – after 7am – to help set their clock. Natural light exposure will also be helpful again in the evening, helping a fussy kid make it a little longer to a reasonable bedtime.

Keep the Course and Give it Time

Every time we travel and the kids have jet lag, or the time changes and we feel jet lagged, I remind myself that things will get back to normal. And they always do. If your schedule works for you now, keep it after the time change.

It may take up to a week until everyone acclimates to the new times without eating or sleep disruptions, but you’ll get there!

Here’s hoping the kids all sleep a little later next month. 🙂

::

Some Must Have Potty Training Supplies… The Rest is Optional

Inside: Are you about to potty train your toddler? It’s an act of nature, but there are a few potty training supplies that make the whole thing go more smoothly.

I decided my daughter would get potty trained at 13 months. That’s when my son was going to arrive.

I read all about early potty training and how people in African trained their babies by 13 month sor so.

They did this because cloth diapers required a lot of water to clean and that was a luxury and if people in Africa could do it, why couldn’t I?

potty training supplies

Hahahahahaha

I die laughing at my former self. 

Needless to say, it didn’t work. Nor did it work a few months later when I was not prepared to “let accidents happen” and made her nervous. Soon enough, though, she figured it out and off she went.

I took a laid back approach with my second son and that worked out fine. I’m training my third son now. Again, we’re not making a huge fuss.

Each child will be different, and there are various approaches to take, but here are your absolutely essential Must Haves.

Psst… you may know it’s ready to start potty training if your little one is constantly fighting diaper changes.

Absolute Must Have Supplies for Potty Training

Well, now that we got those out of the way… let’s talk about some of the other helpful things that make potty training simpler.

Read: The Trickiest Part of Potty Training And How To Overcome It

two toddlers getting potty trained sitting on the grass with potty training supplies

Helpful Tools for Potty Training

And now that we know what is absolutely essential, let’s talk about what helps move things along. I know some people say to “wait until your child is ready no matter the age” but most of us aren’t willing to wait until our 4 year old is ready.

We need things to move right along, particularly if we need to put them in care or preschool.

Here are some helpful things I’ve personally done, used, or tried that may benefit you.

Read: How To Get Your Child To Pee On The Potty

child sitting on a potty

Potty Companions

A potty companion is something you save specifically for potty time that engages your child and allows them to relax near the potty and associate it positively.

Potty companion supplies could look like basically anything:

  • Specific books
  • An iPad or particular games on an iPad
  • Certain toys you bring out only at potty time
  • A white board with a marker to draw on
  • Markers and a notebook
  • M&M’s, blueberries, or whatever treat you choose

You get the idea. Something you can break out specifically (and only) during potty time.

pogo potty panda

Potty Train in a Weekend book

My friend Becky wrote this book and it’s wildly popular, and that ain’t an understatement. Potty Train in a Weekend is, well, just that, tips on how to set aside a few days (they need not be Friday to Sunday) and start and nearly finish the potty training process.

She also tells you what to do in the event they will pee but not poop or regressions or any other scenario you can think of. This is a great tool if you already have a child you know is pretty much ready, but just needs a push. 

Also helpful if you don’t have months and months of time to get it done!

potty train in a weekend by becky mansfield

Reward Supplies: M&M’s or Choc Chips or Kale Chips, Etc.

Many moms use a reward system for potty training.

I didn’t do it with my first two, but am giving it a go in conjunction with other things with my third.

He had a great potty training window a few months ago when I was Nearly Dead from Pregnancy Fatigue and it just wasn’t a time I could train him. Now that I’m able and want to get it done before new baby comes… he’s got his undies in a wad about wanting to wear a diaper.

So since he loves chocolate chips and a few a day won’t hurt him, we’re offering him 3 mini chocolate chips every time he sits on the potty and tries to go.

Even if he doesn’t, that’s okay.

So far he hasn’t abused this by trying to sit on it all day long, but it’s helping with his willingness to go!

child on a blue potty with stickers on it

15 Minute Timer

Honestly, the timer is a mom’s best friend.

You can use it in a myriad of ways throughout your day with kids. You can help minimize power struggles, signal what’s next, and to countdown when they have to stop doing something they love.

I essentially potty trained my firstborn by using a timer set at 15 minute intervals. Every time it went off, I let her push the button (you know kids love pushing buttons) and then we sat on the potty.

If she went, good, if not, fine.

We just set it again for another 15 minutes and did this for a few exhausting days until she was pretty well trained. If she said she had to go during that period we would just stop the timer and reset it for another 15 minutes.

timer

Marriage Wisdom for the “Small Children” Season of Life

I rarely go into marriage here… oh except my letter for Type A Wives married to Type B men. Oh and why Type A Women are Coldhearted. Parenting is hard in general, but with small children, it’s a greenhouse for tension.

Here are some tips compiled by my awesome and wise readers.

Great marriage advice for wives compiled by other mothers. Moms of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers should read this.

A while back I was having a much needed dessert date with a friend. We were talking about life, our kids, house stuff, and eventually got around to the subject of our marriages. 

Both of us wanted to share what was on our hearts – our struggles – but neither of us wanted to bad mouth or seem like a complaining shrew.

After some minutes of veiled conversation and discussion, my friend said this…

“You know, my sister has always said after you have your first kid… you pretty much hate your spouse for like 5 years.”

We both had to laugh at that statement. Not because it’s actually funny, but because of how exaggerated and extreme it was. Still, we could see the mustard grain of truth.

The truth being… parenting babies, toddlers, and preschoolers is extremely intense and puts a lot of strain on a marriage.

Marriage Wisdom for Hard Seasons

“Always remember your spouse has your best at heart and that you’re on the same team.” Becky

“When we’re feeling disconnected, we have date nights at home. After the kids are in bed, we open a bottle of wine or make root beer floats and sit on the patio and talk. It’s been working so far!” Michelle

“Treat your guy like you would expect him to treat you. So if you think you need pampering, or attention then why not some kind words and attention/special treatment for him too?  

Similarly if you expect him to respect you and treat you like a queen in a fight without using any abusive language, etc then keep in mind that a woman ought to-do the same.” Sumeet

“We also never discuss anything heavy about our relationship after 9 pm which is when we start to become tired and illogical and reactive. We agree to put the discussion on hold and try again the next day. Because we are Christ followers, we receive grace and give grace; that’s the most important part of marriage.” Diana

“The best marriage advice I ever received was from my uncle who has a great marriage. He took me aside and told me to expect and appreciate conflict. Then he said ‘If you both agree on everything, one of you is not necessary,’ I have appreciated that so often in my marriage. 

That has helped me appreciate the fact that my husband is not a conflict avoider. He is a get it all out there on the table so we can look at it and get it fixed kind of a guy.

This works best for us because I am a grudge holder (ugly, but true), so a little positive conflict to get it all out there, get it fixed, then my grudge thing can’t kick in and make our marriage miserable.” Lucy

“My tip so far has been to make sure I have cooled off my anger first and thought through everything before we talk things out. When you are angry we end up saying mean and hurtful things. Every time I am overwhelmed with anger I pray to get calm.” Abigael 

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You and your co-parent (spouse, ex, step, etc.) won’t always see eye to eye—but that doesn’t mean parenting has to feel like a constant battle. This workshop will help you communicate clearly, find common ground, and handle disagreements without drama, so you can focus on raising great kids instead of fighting over the details. Because parenting differences are normal, but constant conflict doesn’t have to be.
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marriage wisdom

“My best marriage advice, being married to an internal thinker (as opposed to myself as a verbal thinker), is to speak, in as few words as necessary, “we have a problem. We need to talk about it.

Let’s think on it until after kids go to bed tonight, then let’s talk, okay?”  This gives my internal-thinker husband time to internally think about what’s under the surface.

But, at the same time, he knows my expectation of discussion so he can prep for that. I also know, now, that he takes a looooong time to gather this thoughts when he’s speaking so I am careful to be patient when we talk.

I have to really listen to him instead of just waiting for my turn to talk.” Erica

“Sometimes the thing that works best is “loving my enemy”. If I’m angry at him, I consider him, for the moment, the enemy in front of me that I have the opportunity to love.

So rather than trying to work out all the details of a problem we’re having, I just go to the store and spend $20 to make him a little care package of treats.

I wrap it up nicely and then write him a little card, thanking him for all he does. That in itself seems to make some problems evaporate without all the drama of conflict resolution. Or, if conflict resolution is necessary, it at least paves the way for a kind and respectful conversation.” Heather

“The best marriage advice I read just after getting married was to not get uptight about the not-so-good things that actually lead and contribute to the things you love about him/her. For example, if you love how fit and toned they are, you shouldn’t be upset for the time they spend at the gym.

Another personal example is, I love that my husband is the one that does the dishes in our house. I don’t love that I’ll pull dishes out of cupboards unclean occasionally. Because I appreciate that he does the dishes, I choose not to say anything and maybe just go the dishes a couple times myself to help me get over it.” Erin

“If my husband and I feel like we are about to get in an argument that could really become a bad situation, we both go to opposite rooms for half an hour or maybe a full hour. Once we’ve had a little time to pray or, for me, write in my journal, we come back calmly and talk about it.” Beth

Motherhood & Wellbeing

Weary To Well

This 10-day reset will help you uncover what’s wearing you down (spoiler: it’s not just lack of sleep), set boundaries without guilt, and finally create space to breathe again. Because burnout isn’t your personality—it’s a signal things need to change.
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“My husband can not stand being micromanaged, likely because he is a very intelligent and capable person.  Unfortunately, I grew up in a household where my mother micromanaged everyone and everything. 

I always swore I would never turn into her in this respect but early in our marriage I would do it unintentionally which drove my husband nuts. So in year two of our marriage we came up with the “What How Rule.”  

On my end, I can tell him what to do or how to do something but not both.  He in turn is happy to help with household projects. 

And when I forget and start to micromanage instead of getting mad he simply mentions the What How Rule instead of telling me I’m being like my mother.  Then we can both smile about the event and carry on with our project instead of getting silently ticked at each other.” Abby

“If the choice is between “do I tell him how angry I am?”or “do I speak kindly about things that are bothering me?” It’s got to be kindness.” Jacqui

marriage hard seaso

“Every evening we set aside 30 minutes before bed to have ‘talk time’.  We can hit on any issues with the kids or us, talk schedules or plan our next date night or just talk and dream a bit 🙂  

Even if the rest of the day has been running around and we have hardly shared more than a brief kiss, the evening will conclude with just us and I can go to bed happy.” Jessie

Self-Care Routine Tracker

Do you forget to sleep, bathe, eat, relax, etc.? NO MORE. This tracker will help you consistently live within your limits so you have more love to give to your family.

“Pretend you can see into the future and see yourselves still together and loving each other; and let the daily little things go.” Sterling

“Big help for us: voice your needs and ask about his. My husband has certain housework chores he would like taken care of in order to feel relaxed at home and doesn’t care about others.

We talk about our preferences and priorities and I’ve learned to honestly tell him what I need without making him guess and we are all much happier.

When I need time alone or help with a certain chore I just tell him. Also when I’m hormonal I ask him to remind me of that so I’m not beating myself up. So helpful.” Elizabeth

“When we do real talk we are putting all our feelings on the table and being completely honest with each other about how we feel about the various issues happening in our marriage.

We don’t tip toe around the other persons feelings because we believe that in order to grow together in our marriage, we have to truly be honest about how we are feeling…even if it is hard to hear.” HM

5 Problems That Are Solved By Rotating Toys

If your kids have tons of toys, but don’t play for long with any of them, rotating toys is the answer! Read on for tips on toy rotation and why it works.

Have you ever stood in front of your closet and looked at all your clothes and thought….”I have absolutely nothing to wear.”

An entire dresser full of clothes, a whole closet full (perhaps your husband shares 10%) of dresses, skirts, shirts, running shorts, t-shirts… many many t-shirts… and yet there is nothing saying “wear me, oh wear me, I will make you look and feel good today.”

How is it a woman can have a closet full of clothes and still think there is nothing to wear?

Simple.

Because when we say there is nothing to wear, what we really mean is there is nothing new to wear. Your children are no different.

Except for them, it’s toys and not clothes.

wooden train set with duckie

I had a friend tell me when I was pregnant with my first that she separated all her toys into 3 bins/baskets/trash bags (whatever suits your fancy) and then let the kids have one bag at a time.

After a week or two, she’d switch.

I thought it sounded like a good way to save some money on toys and since I’m cheap, it stuck in my mind.

Toy Rotation And Why It Works For Kids And Moms

Kids don’t focus when they are “spoilt for choice”

Have you ever noticed your living room has exploded with primary color plastic and yet your toddler goes from one to the other in a matter of seconds and is still bored.

It’s because with all the choice they don’t sit down, dig in and learn to focus and use their imagination.

➡️ Giving your children too many choices will actually encourage them to Toy Hop.

When my kids have independent play time I take out a few toys each day and them fly. They will sit with one or two toys for almost an hour and sing and dance and do who knows what.

Both my oldest son and daughter will sit for thirty minutes looking at their books alone. It seems incredible, but it’s true.

They will actually play longer and focus when they have fewer options.

Related Reads:

toy figurines on a stool

It helps keep toys new and fresh

We don’t give our kids all their Christmas presents at once.

I know, we’re mean parents.

We will have certain toys that are always out for play. LEGO at the LEGO table, dress up costumes, and a bunch of cars and trucks for the boys. Excess toys or toys that require more supervision (like craft kits, etc.) we keep in the attic and bring out as we think about it.

  • Set a reminder on your phone or make a boomerang in your gmail to swap out the toys at a time of your choosing.
  • Let your child have the gift of thinking that an old toy is new and fresh.
  • Even toys like blocks that are typically for younger kids, can be used by older ones to build forts or fortresses, walls, or seats.
  • One key concept that toy rotation accomplishes is novelty. 

Read: Age Appropriate Toys For Independent Play

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

Smooth Start Morning Routines

Mornings don’t have to feel like a mad dash of lost shoes, whining, and cold coffee. Here’s a simple, no-nag plan to get kids up, ready, and out the door on time — without the rage.
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stuffed teddy bear that is being rotated

3. You save money

I like to spend more money on experiences rather than things.

Of course, I want my children to have toys so they can play, grow, and use their imagination. One thing that can happen (particularly if we’ve crossed our own boundaries with toys), is that we feel resentful when the kids don’t play with all they have.

This is a sign too many toys are around.

  • If you are on a budget (or have space limitations in your home) then rotating toys is a great way to save money because the novelty of the few toys you have remain much longer than if they’re on display day in and day out.
  • Less toys out means you get used to less toys which means you buy less toys.
  • Having less toys mean you value toys less which means you buy them less.

Read: How To Be A Present Parent

4. Kids learn to use their imagination

Children only really dig in and use their imagination when they have to.

If someone is entertaining them all the time, they will not learn to use their imaginations.

Those who are bombarded by constant streams of media will have less of an imagination than those who don’t. And I don’t mean the kind of imagination that imagines the things they’ve seen on TV, I mean true Anne of Green Gables type imagination and fancy that so enriches a child’s development.

If you send them outside and all they have is a plastic toy house then they come up with all sorts of things to do. It isn’t lazy parenting or neglect to limit their consumer appetites by rotating toys and having fewer on hand, and in fact, it may make them more appreciative of what they’ve already got.

Related Reads:

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

Family Tidy Routines

This workshop will help you build a simple 15-minute daily routine that fits into real life—so the house stays (mostly) clean and the kids finally learn to help. Because a clean home is a team effort, not a one-mom show.
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girl in water

5. Your house doesn’t turn into an off-location Toys ‘R Us

I know everyone has different opinions on the state of your house when you have children.

Some feel that if it is tidy and in order and there aren’t lots of toys visible that it isn’t “lived in” and children won’t settle in and feel at home.

I don’t really subscribe to this and like to keep a tidy house. Throughout the day there’ll be toys around and pillows and blankets and remotes scattered as little ones are wont to do, but I always make a point to tidy regularly and my kids do help.

I think that you can have a clean, orderly house  that is homey and welcoming to your children without being taken over by Fisher Price.

Many women could care less and love to see the toys as evidence of their growing babies and I think that is great for them, they are cultivating and keeping their home to their liking.

As every home should be.

If you are more in the camp that prefers for there to be less visible toys around, then rotating them and keeping them out of sight (except for the ones in use at the time) will surely help.

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