Children’s Schedule

[Anonymous]

I’ve been with my charges for over a year and recently I found that we don’t follow the same schedule. I plan outings in the morning, typically between 9:30-12 (we eat lunch at 12 no later than 12:30) and then nap after lunch. The mom does nap at like 11 and then the children eat lunch after nap, or they will eat lunch at 11 and go down around 11:30. AND sometimes he’s getting 2 naps a day. I just feel like the children should stick to the same schedule, regardless of who’s caring for them. It doesn’t matter which schedule, although, at this age (19 mo) I feel that the typical napping time is 12:30/1-3:00. Please note that the oldest child (19 mo) is always tired and I feel that part of it is because the napping times are all over the place and because the oldest is taking early naps, he’s tired early and that’s what throws off his bedtime (the child is restless at night). In the beginning they would follow my lead but lately they’ve just been doing their own thing, which causes our morning outings to be chaotic and at times makes me not even want to take them out- it’s embarrassing (him hollering, kicking and screaming because he’s tired). I am only with the children 4 days out the week. I don’t know what to do because it’s been an issue for some time and know I’m realizing why, when we’re out, he’s normally sleeping when he’s with his mom. I’ve preached a lot about being on a schedule and sticking to it so idk... i just let him holler because it’s not fair for him to take time away from his sister who LOVES to be outdoors!!

[Anonymous]

I posted from my phone so spare the grammar comments!

[Anonymous]

Speak to your employers and follow their schedule if need be. Yes, I agree the toddler would do much better on a set schedule. All you can do is express this to your charge's parents and follow their decision.

[Anonymous]

Are you full time? If so he should mostly be on your schedule and just maybe a little off it on Mondays. Talk to the parents and say you want to be consistent - what would they like?

[Anonymous]

Is the 19 month old the oldest or youngest? I was confused by your post.

Honestly, you could get up and out at 9am, and be back at 11am, have lunch then nap so you could do it on their schedule.

But first, I'd say that you are noticing that their behavior is off because they are tired, you think it's important they be on the same schedule, here is what we are doing, what are you doing, and what do you want me to do? You could shift to 2 naps if necessary, but I would tell them that typically a child at 19 months doesn't need those 2 naps, they are fine with a 12 lunch and 12:30-3pm nap, which leaves them up long enough to be tired but not overtired by bedtime.

But, you'll have to ultimately do what the parents want.