Yeah, I know, a buzz word. What do you guys think about schedules, I mean for those of you who are at home with child/ren? Do they help you? I am thinking about trying a more specific one again because it seems that David doesn't know what to do with himself sometimes and that leads to whining and carrying on :dunno:

We never had a schedule with Kat as she never seemed to need one. She would feed on demand and go to sleep when we did and everything in between she was totally laid back about. Even as she got older she just seemed to follow our lead. I am thinking about implimenting a loose schedule though as we are starting homeschooling and feel it will be better for her to kind of know how the day will go, or at least know that her school work needs to be done first before it's play time. Guess we'll just have to see how it goes!

I had a rigid one when Andie was young (like when she was doing the bottle thing)...eating time, nap times, etc. Now, not so much....maybe slightly, tho, thinking about it...

Like, she knows that on certain mornings (Tuesdays & Thursdays, sometimes Wed) in the mornings we do a fun outing with friends (playgroup & storytime). One other morning we do grocery shopping (maybe fun for her, not so much me! :P)

I try to keep her meal times around the same time of day, and nap/quiet time around the same time as well.

When she was younger, she was alot happier with a schedule, now I don't think it matters a whole lot to her....

But I remember those whiny days so well (heck, we STILL have them....) and what worked for me was a change of scenery.....go outside & have a picnic or something. Buy stuff that you only haul out for whiny times....magnifying glass (that'll keep him busy, I promise!)...play doh....bubbles...some kids do great with schedules, but some don't...you might have to try it & then just experiment to see what works...good luck!!

I have four children and i can honestly say that each of their needs are different when it comes to schedules. But it seems that it's really not about having a schedule, but it's more about being consistant. My three year old has a "routine" that she depends on....gets up, gets cereal, watches sponge bob, etc. she knows that every day we take her older brother to school right after lunch and then we come back home to lay her and my youngest down for naps. if that is missed, her attitude completely changes......she becomes EVIL! my second child is the same way. he depends on that daily routine. my first and fourth children, however, are very laid back and can adjust to just about any situation and seem to actually enjoy some inconsistancy once in a while. i think it's just what works for YOUR CHILD...and the more time you spend with them, the more you'll undertand their needs.

Yeah its gotten to where that doesn't help either. David would be defined as a "spirited" or "strong willed" child and today was a mess. My husband still had to work, he has to do some Saturdays, and David..... oh man.... I just can't even begin to describe. I was starting to miss the newborn days, that's how bad it was. Dear Lord, please grow my patience! (or stop!! depending)

I think a schedule is what *he* needs, but I don't wanna. :doh: Its sometihng I've been resisting for a while now because I like those times between sleeping times where I can fly by the seat of my pants and do whatever :nod:

Whatever you do, DON'T ask God for patience....(that's one of my biggest HUGEST struggles)....because I've found that when I asked Him for patience....He put more obstacles in my way so I could LEARN patience.....it worked, I'm learning coping techniques, but boy, what a challenge!! :wall: B)

Anyway, back to your OP....I hear ya about the seat of your pants thing, but if you think that a schedule will help get you through this phase (might not be the right word) then it's probably best for you to try it.....start out really light, then if that doesn't work, add to it until you find the balance....

:dunno: Sometimes I think this whole parenting thing is fly by the seat of your pants!! :nod: