Getting a Schedule for Kids

I wish I had gotten on a schedule earlier than I did. I waited until my twins were 6 months old and I had had it and was ready to let them cry. We put them on the schedule that is detailed in "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth. Basically it outlines different schedules for different ages, but the end result (as early as 3-4 months) is sleeping 12 hour nights. I never thought I could get them on the schedule. It took a really hard week, but once they got used to it they THRIVED.
Two of Weissbluth's main ideas are: never keep a baby awake for longer than a 3-hour stretch and sleep begets sleep. Our current schedule since 1 year: 6:30am up, breakfast at 7:30, play, nap 9-11am. Lunch at 11:30, followed by a nap beginning 3 hours from when they woke up from the morning napp (between 1:30 and 2pm). Once they wake up, play, dinner at 4:30, bath at 5, bed at 6pm. We rarely hear from them until 6:30am (minus them being sick, having shots, teething, etc :) ). I'd check out that book if you are interested - it's popular in my twin group. Best of luck. Schedules are great!

Hi C., I am aslo 27 and a stay at home mom and have a now 3 1/2 week old baby. (she was born Jan 31) . I also have a 9 yr old boy, 4 yr old girl and 3 yr old twin girls. We live by a schedule. If it wasnt for a schedule, everything is just chaotic. I have notcied that with a schedule it helps with behavioral skills. A schedule keeps all of us on task and the kids enjoy knowing what happens when.
We are the same age and our kids are pretty close in age. I would love to get together. I know how you feel about adult conversations. I often joke, its hard to hold a conversation with a 4 year old.

Hi C.. A baby can be given a routine anytime you want to start one. It might take awhile but if you stick to your schedule, they kind of have no choive but to follow it. It'll take patince and time though. Just stick with it, and they'll eventually get the hang of it. (this goes for your older children too). Good luck. Best Wishes, T.

I know just how you feel. I have two daughters 6 and 4. About 2 years ago they would not go to bed until I did. They would not do anything consistently. I know it probably sounds a little cheezee, but try making a chart with goals and rewards. I made one for my daughters and it was hard at first. I struggled for about 2 months. Since they were used to going to bed late, that was the first thing I wanted to take control of. So their first goal was to go to bed on time. When they went to bed on time for a whole week they got to go to blockbuster and pick out a movie. Praising them in the morning always helps. I think making it a family goal, will also help. Since you are able to stay at home create a chart of when all activities should occur. It's going to be hard, but stick with it the rewards are worth it. Also, just a hint if you can get your oldest to help you, the younger one will follow. Your children are young, but explaining things to them will also help them understand why. I hope this helps you.

Hello, my daughter was put on a routine as soon as she was 5 days old. It was the best decision I ever made. It doesnt even have to be an ideal routine but consistancy is key. My daughters routine was wake up at 6am then I would bring her back to my bed we would sleep till 8 am then various things throughout the day napping whenever and sleeping till she woke up, then we played then at 830pm I would give her a bath then she would fall asleep at about 10. she would then sleep through the night( pure bliss). she started this when she was 5 days old. gradually I changed it, what happened was she started to associate bath with bedtime, now she is 9 months old and I give her a bath at 630 every night and shes asleep by 730. Shes been on this schedule since she was 2 months old. now even when we go out and we're out past 730 no matter where or level of noise or crowd she goes to sleep at 730. you can do the same thing with older kids but it just takes a little longer. Ihope this helps and good luck.

My name is also C.(34). I have had the same problem. I have five children , one who is 13 and he has cerebral palsy. And as of three years ago had a trach put in and g-tube . So when you say schedule..That is my LIFE! When I get off if it, or busy with something else, it is so hectic, and major chaos!So years ago I (it helped that my husband worked nights for 15 years) started dinner at 3 and had baths by 5 , and in bed by 7:30 . And the boys could keep the TV on in the bedroom as long as I didnt hear one peep out of them, (off at 9:30..earlier if I heard them talking or goofing off) It worked , they loved ____@____.com it gave me time with my husband.No noise! A schedule did work. I would love to meet up and get out hope you live close by. (kids are now 18-16-13-9-3