Being a stay-at-home mom is a tough job, especially for those of us who are also working from home or looking after other responsibilities.
One of the most challenging things for a busy sahm is creating a stay-at-home mom schedule that works for us and our children. It can be overwhelming, trying to create a schedule that is right for your child’s developmental needs and still fits your own schedule.
I talk a lot on the blog about setting up your stay-at-home mom schedule to model a daycare or a preschool’s schedule. Because that’s what worked for me!
So, this morning I thought we would look at what a preschool schedule actually looks like and what a daycare schedule looks like as well!
There’s a slight difference between the two, and you can take what you like from each of them and incorporate it into your own daily stay-at-home mom schedule.
Preschool schedules
Preschool schedules generally follow a structured program that is designed to encourage educational, social, physical, and emotional development in children. Absolutely why I love them! 😁
A typical preschool schedule might include group activities, story time, free play, snack time, and naps for younger children.
Most preschools will have a specific curriculum, which may include learning numbers, letters, shapes, and colors, as well as more advanced concepts like social skills, teamwork, and problem-solving. When my kids were little, I incorporated this into my daily sahm schedule.
Preschools usually operate on a fairly strict schedule, and parents are expected to drop off and pick up their children at specific times. Some preschools may also offer extended care options for working parents.
Lucky you, though – you’re in charge of the schedule at home, so you can decide how strict you want to be with your daily schedule and routine!
Daycare schedules
Daycare schedules vary widely depending on the center’s philosophy and approach. Some centers may operate on a more free-form schedule, allowing children to choose their own activities and eat when they’re hungry.
Others may follow a more structured approach, with designated activity times and mealtimes.
Many daycare centers also offer educational programs and activities, including arts and crafts, music, and even foreign language classes. Most daycare centers also offer extended care options for working parents, with many centers opening early and closing late to accommodate busy schedules.
One significant difference between preschool and daycare schedules is the age range of the children being cared for.
Preschools usually cater to children aged three to five, with some accepting children as young as two. When creating your own schedule, consider the ages of your children. Are they too young to model a preschool schedule?
Daycare centers, on the other hand, may accept children from infancy all the way up to school age. This means that daycare centers may have a wider range of age-appropriate activities and toys that can accommodate both younger and older children. Depending on your child’s age, a daycare schedule may be more appropriate for your stay-at-home mom schedule.
Another important factor to consider is the schedule itself.
Modeling your stay-at-home mom schedule after a preschool or daycare
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, it can be helpful to take some inspiration from the structure and routine of preschools and daycares. This can not only provide your child with a balanced day of activities but also give you a well-structured timetable to follow.
To create a preschool-like schedule, start by designating specific times for activities, meals, and naps just like a preschool would. I chunked my day down, starting with the natural transition points during the day.
Be sure to include a variety of activities such as free play, arts and crafts, storytime, and outdoor play. Incorporate learning through play and ensure there’s a balance between educational and recreational activities.
If you prefer the flexibility of a daycare schedule, you could adopt a semi-structured day where your child chooses what they want to do at certain times. This could include a mix of independent play, guided activities, and educational tasks.
Remember to pace out the activities to avoid overstimulation and allow for quiet time or naps as needed. Mealtimes can also be an opportunity for learning; for instance, you could talk about colors, shapes, and textures of food during lunch.
Most importantly, remember that every child is different and what works for one might not work for another. So, feel free to tweak the schedule as needed until you find what works best for you and your child.
Choosing the right schedule for your child can feel like a massive undertaking.
However, understanding their key differences can lighten the load. Preschools offer structured settings that emphasize educational and social development, catering to children between the ages of three and five.
On the other hand, daycare centers provide flexible care from infancy to school age, with varying activities and schedules.
It’s entirely possible to model your home schedule to mimic the structure of a preschool or the flexibility of a daycare!! And that’s exactly what I did. It was my saving grace.
When creating your daily sahm schedule, remember to balance educational and recreational activities, allow your child to make choices, and adapt the routine to avoid overstimulation.
Keep in mind that each child is unique; what works for one might not work for another.
Feel free to experiment and adjust until you hit upon the perfect routine for your child.
I hope this guide has provided some clarity and eased your decision-making process!
Good luck momma!!
