4.24.2006
To Schedule or Not to Schedule
Julie from Everyday Mommy started a conversation about Babies and Schedules. If you've ever sat in a room full of mothers discussing this topic, you know how volatile the subject can be. :) I found Julie through Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer where I left my own comment. After reading my comment again, I guess I'd have to say that I fall into the "flexible scheduler" category. I've been meaning to send you all their way today- but I'm just now getting around to it.
To schedule or not to schedule...THAT is the question.
Feel free to jump in on the conversation here if you want...
5 Comments:
First, that is the cutest little doodlebug finger-sucker I think I've ever seen!
Yes, the whole schedule thing is a volatile topic, and I think the bottom line is: do what works for you. I really believe that small kids operate best on routine, at least, if not schedule.
My kids had scheduled nap times and scheduled bed times, and I was fairly protective of both. At least I thought I was until a relative had a baby -- all life ceased for the entire family in order to get the kid to bed on time. I wasn't willing to live that way -- we still went to our twice/ week evening church services and occasionally visited friends past bedtime. But for the most part we were routine.
I'm a routine kind of person and it helped all of us. My 2nd came out of the womb needing stability and no change. I was thankful that I could offer him some predictibility in his life (he thanked me by screaming for 14 months). Some people may have thought my life had been easier if I had let him "call the shots" with his schedule, but I at least needed to know which hours he would be asleep and peaceful. It saved my sanity.
What a sweetie pie!
I was a scheduler also and really enjoyed it. I knew what was coming, why they were crying etc. It gave me more confidence as a mother and a peaceful schedule where everyone would nap or go to bed at similar times. If we did want to do something else we were flexible (at least by baby two L) but by and large I kept the schedule. It just helped. When my sister and I both had babies and toddlers it was nice to put them all down around the same time and actually have a couple of hours to visit without interuptions. :)
You know me........the non-baby scheduler! I just always felt like they would let me know their needs and it was my job to care for them as it came. We have paid the price a few times for that thinking but overall....it works for us! I agree with Sarah, do what works for you and your family. We all have the same goal: healthy, happy, God loving children.
Leslie
Well, Leslie-- I don't think baby E has suffered too much from your way. :) He's the fattest, cutest little roly poly around.
I don't know whose baby that is but she is so cute she makes my uterus ache.
I think schedules are good, but I certainly wouldn't live or die by it. So, I guess I'm in agreement with everyone else.
So much for being original.
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