To follow schedule or let go, is the question. For the most part, I control Nan’s schedule, thereby the entire household’s schedule. I know for a fact that not following schedule leads to meltdowns. To list two of Nan’s BIG meltdowns:
#1 – On the train while returning from NYC to New Jersey
#2 – Dinner time at Buckhorn Lake
The meltdowns lasted 15 minutes and they came on because we (sharply) deviated off her nap schedule.
But if I put the 15 minute meltdowns on a scale and weigh them against the fun we had at NYC or Buckhorn Lake last weekend, the obvious choice would be the fun, deviating off schedules.
To Nan’s credit, she has behaved wonderfully on our trips out of town. I was listing the cities we have visited with her for her daycare project (yes! “All about me!” project!). We have visited Atlanta, twice, via road, Florida, Gatlinburg, New Jersey/New York and more recently Buckhorn Last State park. Not bad for a 20 month old, huh?
Yet, between Sunday night and Friday morning, I am all about following schedule for myself, and Nan, and thereby the mister. . I have known to be quite unwavering, even when I was at home with Nan and did not really have to report to work.
Sometimes I am envious of those mom’s who don’t follow any schedule for their babies and yet have happy babies. Something tells me that any mom will be successful at it if they try it. On the other hand, when I see mom’s who don’t step outside the house when it is their child’s lunch time, I feel glad that I am beyond that restriction.
I have seen myself growing as a mommy! From being extra careful with the little one till she was six months old, to choosing not to (over)medicate her for an ear infection. Some choices work well, some not so much! As of now I am glad I have the control (or so I think) of when to make the choice of following schedule or deviating off it. I’ll take it, as I learn newer and exciting things about being a mom.
