Routines

Recently we have had people ask us, How is your baby so easy? Some say..."The next one won't be like this." Others say, "No one has an easy baby like this, this is not normal." First of all, what is normal? Second of all, I disagree with these statements. Why is our daughter so easy? and yes, our second child will be the same. Why? I truly believe it comes down to routines, routines, routines, consistency, consistency, consistency. Every family is different and they do what works for them but why wouldn't you have consistency in your child's life. Children need routines. When having routines they know what to expect. They don't like to have surprise all the time. It is too much for them to handle. Being an elementary school teacher for the last 14 years, I know that routines are essential. If elementary age students need routines, why wouldn't the babies and toddlers need it. I have had my days where I have changed the class routine and what happens? BLOW UPS! Kids freak out. Behavior changes, kids act out, they don't listen, and by the time the day is over you are exhausted. When you reflect on why...it is b/c the "routine" was changed. This is the same for babies and toddlers. Our daughter is ready for nap at 1pm and she is ready for bed at 7:30. We have no issues putting her to bed even when her cousins are visiting from out of town and they aren't going to bed. She knows...this is her routine and when bedtime hits, she is ready to go. Why is our daughter happy? One reason...routines and consistency.