What Is the Perfect Schedule for a 2-Year-Old?

Interacting with your toddler can be a real challenge, especially if your youngster is experiencing the "terrible twos." A balanced, well-structured schedule can make the complexities associated with raising a 2-year-old more tolerable and enjoyable for both of you. A schedule offers your child predictable scenarios and reliable outcomes and gives you the chance to orchestrate naps and down times. That way, you can take small breaks for yourself and don't have to be a constant entertainer.

  1. Make Mornings Count

    • Mornings are often the most productive, energetic and active parts of the day because 2-year-olds are fresh and well-rested. After breakfast, you might engage in active play, run errands together, go for a walk or do a craft. You might also engage in recreational activities, such as water play, sports or a visit to the local library. When you need time to get dressed or cleaned up, you might allow your toddler to watch a short morning cartoon or an age-appropriate DVD. According to WebMD, most children give up their morning nap between the ages of 12 and 18 months, so you don't want your 2-year-old to fall asleep before his afternoon nap.

    Encourage Restful Afternoons

    • Once you've played yourselves out, eat a leisurely lunch. A slow, relaxing lunch will help your toddler slow down after a playful morning and help her food digest. If you have older children who will return home after school, eat an early lunch around 11:30, so your 2-year-old has enough time for a post-lunch nap. Encourage your toddler to go potty before naptime and help her change into clean clothes. You might play soft music, close her blinds or curtains and turn off the TV. Establish the same naptime routine every day so your 2-year-old expects it and doesn't complain when it's time to rest.

    Stress Evening Bonding Time

    • Waking up from a nap can be alarming for your child. You might gently rub his face, talk in a soft voice or pat his hand, so he isn't startled by noisy siblings or loud household chatter. Late afternoons and evenings are enjoyable for 2-year-olds. Stress family time, such as group games, age-appropriate TV shows, conversations over dinner, recreational outdoor activities and community events. The activity and interaction with family members will help your toddler prepare for bedtime.

    Approach Bedtime Positively

    • The right attitude can make bedtime an easy transition, rather than a battle zone. Instead of talking about activities your 2-year-old has to stop doing to go to bed, discuss fun activities that will occur the following day. You might say, "Let's pick up your toys and take a bath so you will be clean for the puppet show tomorrow," or "I will help you brush your teeth and fold back your blankets so you can get a good night's sleep for the park tomorrow." Reading books together will also help your 2-year-old get sleepy. Toddlers typically need 10 to 13 hours of sleep a night, according to KidsHealth.org, so set a consistent bedtime that allows for enough sleep.

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