The Best Daily Routine For A 2 Year Old

If you are a first time mom, each stage as your child grows is a whole new challenge. At two years old, your child will be learning A LOT. You want to make sure you are fostering that hunger to learn, but it can be a hard balance. As a stay at home mom, I understand how hard it can be to fit everything into your daily routine. That is why I am highlighting my typical schedule for my 2 year old, so you can get a feel for what your day could look like. Use this example to create a daily routine that works best for your 2 year old.

Here is a look at the best daily routine for a 2 year old:

(Click here if you want to get right to the printable version)

Morning: My son usually wakes up between 5:30 and 6:30. I get him out of his room and let him play with his toys for about an hour while I make breakfast. I give him a breakfast bar or a fruit/veggie pouch to snack on while he plays.

Mid-Morning: After breakfast, I get him dressed for the day and then lay his brother down (check out my 1 year old schedule here). While Hudson naps, I get ready for the day, then I spend an hour reading, coloring, and teaching Thomas. I use this time to teach him numbers, letters, new skills, and more. One resource I really love are KiwiCo Crates (check out my review here). They are SUPER helpful with teaching new skills and prepping your toddler for school.

Afternoon: After the baby wakes up, we play outside or run any errands I need to get done. Plus, of course, more snacks!

Lunch: I feed him lunch around 12-1 p.m. or so then let him play inside until his nap.

Nap: I usually lay him down around 2-2:30 p.m, and he sleeps for 1-2 hours depending on how tired he is.

Evening: We play together after he wakes up from his nap until it’s time to make dinner. I usually put on music or something to entertain both of the kids while I make dinner.

Dinner: We usually all eat dinner together around 5:30.

Bathtime: He gets a bath every other day after dinner.

Bedtime: We read a few books after bath time, then tuck both kiddos in by 7 p.m. I have two boys together in the same room, so they usually play and talk for a while and fall asleep by 8.

Why Are Daily Routines For 2 Year Olds Important?

Toddlers thrive on routine. If you are a busy mom with a toddler you know that schedules are not always going happen. And that’s okay! The point of a schedule is really to make your job as a mom easier. Toddlers who have a schedule are much easier to manage. They come to expect and enjoy the routine that you give them. It gives them a sense of stability and safety. A routine can give them confidence, which will help them be open to learning new things.

Life with toddlers can be unpredictable. Every mom will have those days where no learning gets done, the kids eat TV dinners, the house doesn’t get cleaned, or someone misses a nap. Life happens. However, your toddler will be much more agreeable and adaptable as they grow if you set a routine in place for them now.