Building Rhythm into Open-Ended Weeks

Posted on 12/19/2016

We’ve all heard the statement, “The days may be long, but the years are short.” No one knows the realities of long days like the stay-at-home parent of a baby or toddler. The rhythm of your days and weeks can easily become monotonous, if you let it. But that’s a big “if.” While incorporating high points with down times, you’ll be able to create some sanity in the midst of the daily routine, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and freedom that these special years offer.

Start Early with Routines

Whether you’re more into demand feeding or scheduling, you can incorporate routines into your baby’s life, early on. Your baby might have pretty simple physical needs for sleep, food, and changing, but he or she has emotional needs, as well. And so do you. Try singing or playing certain songs during changing time or feeding time or reading or listening to an audio book or pod cast. The books or songs don’t have to be baby-ish, either — feel free to incorporate some of your own favorites, too! Your baby will be soothed by hearing your voice and will benefit intellectually and emotionally from hearing any language and music.

Once you move beyond the tight feeding routines of early infancy, you can start to extend routines to include meal time prayers or readings, bedtime rituals, and morning or afternoon activities like playing outside, doing simple art projects, and having independent time.

Structure Your Own Week

There’s a careful balance between not having enough activities or outings and having too many, and that balance is different for each parent and child. For many parents of toddlers and preschoolers, mornings are ideal for outings, while afternoons are perfect for naps and general downtime. Early outings don’t have to be involved. Zoos and parks can provide great options when the weather is nice. Many libraries offer preschool story time, which may include a snack or craft. You can also check out your local YMCA for mommy-and-me fitness classes. In addition, these organizations below may have chapters in your area:

Kindermusik®
Stroller Strides®
MOPS

Separate the Weekend

In addition to other activities in your week, you’ll also want to plan in time for household chores and find ways to make them accessible and fun for your little ones to participate. If you’re not careful, the weekend can feel the same as a weekday. By having laundry and household chores caught up and a few meals already prepped, you can be set to have some extra time for fun and relaxation during the weekend. Then plan some special Friday night fun or Saturday morning breakfast to start out the weekend!

Moving past regular weekly rhythms, your family can benefit from creating seasonal traditions that serve you, wherever you are.

The Bedroom Source

Located near the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, The Bedroom Source is your source for the best collection of children's and teen bedroom furniture. From flexibly configurable Maxtrix furniture to fashionable Smartstuff collections, The Bedroom Source offers high end furniture and professional design assistance to create the bedroom of your child's dreams.

Contact the friendly staff at The Bedroom Source by calling (516) 248-0600 or by submitting our online contact form. We're a local family owned mom & pop store. When you shop with us, you're dealing directly with the owners. We professionally assemble everything we sell. We deliver to Nassau, Suffolk, the 5 Boroughs, Southern Westchester, Southwestern Connecticut & Northern New Jersey.