Daily home routine when you have a toddler

My new helper is starting in mid-november and I'm in the process of drawing up a daily schedule for her.


I'm a working mother so I don't really have much of a clue.


But can someone share what a typical day of a stay-at-home mum with a toddler is like? Or what your helper's routine is like?


For example, how do you juggle between housework and looking after an active toddler?

Purchase the book, HELPER'S HELPER.

It helped me and my helper

For whatit's worth - here goes.

Routine has to be flexible to take into account the changing needs of the growing/changing child - so writing down one that is to be adhered to strictly is probably a bit futile, better to get some priorites listed.


Priorise the tasks and work out wether they can be done, with or without a toddler in tow -- a lot will depend on the exact age and temperamentof the child... some little ones will happily help you load the washing machine, others will be quick to empty the washing powder all over the floor :) and want to press ALL the buttons.


Encourage your helper to break jobs down into manageable segments - depending on the day this could be 5 - 10 minutes at a time - if your little one is having a bad day.


On the other hand if you have a wonder child who sticks to a routine and sleeps reliably for a good period each day and eats well, domestic chores are much more easily managed.


I always found that most important was to keep the child well fed and well rested so these were my priorities when they were little - it makes them so much nicer to be around. To this end the kitchen needs to be top priority in being ready to go, and I used to prepare the veg etc for dinner while my little ones were sleeping or earlier in the day so dinner was not a nightmare of trying ot cook with whingey kids hanging off every limb. Feed the washing machine constantl y and leave the ironing until I could watch TV and iron at the same time in the evening.

Try to engage the toddler in helping you with tasks - this is great for them and builds their language skills - as long as you are clever and keep it safe and happy then they can help with almost anything from the dusting to washing the car. It will take longer but then you are providing them with lots of play and different activities in this way. You have to find a safe way to have them in the kitchen - travel cot, or high chair perhaps if they are under 2 and a half or use this time to have an older child watch their alloted video or quiet time if they like to look at books. It is all a matter of working smart, finding out what actvities can be combined, being prepared to change the plan at short notice (like the little one has just vomitted all over the rug!!) and just keep on keeping on! You never stop - so you may have to work out how your helper is going to get some rest time / lunch time or will you take over the minute you get in the door to enable her to get some adequate rest. I also thing that with only one helper and with the child's interests and care taking top priority you have to be a little more relaxed about things being spotless or having a gourmet meal on the table. Looking after children whilst it inevitably involves some domestic chores is an entirely differnt job to "keeping" house - it's usually only the stay at home mum who tries it all and even then many western women who are "full time" mums have the assistance of babysitters, day care, cleaners and friends to help out. I guess I'm trying to say that you have to be realistic about what one person can achieve in a day - unless you've hired superwoman.

ness, you're very wise. I've never thought of perhaps my little girl could enjoy doing the housework with my helper. So that her half hour play time, for example, could include helping my helper mop the floor. Or while my helper is dusting the furniture, she could help do her own little table. I used to pass her clothes from the washing machine and she loved taking them to the spare room for me.. she enjoyed being mummy's little helper. You've really raised some good points. Thank you.