Add Structure to Your Day
Structure can be something to help you figure out how your days will go. You may love a routine, and you are welcome to use the same theories when you have kids, but obviously, flexibility is a must. Find out what you like to do with your baby and plan for these activities. When you get up in the morning, have a plan for what you’ll do. Obviously, breakfast is one of the first items on your agenda. Will you immediately shower and get dressed, or will you play a bit with your baby first? Finding a rhythm that works for you and for your baby can help you approach each day with purpose. Some babies do thrive on routines, though not stringent ones, particularly when it comes to feeding. Fill your calendar with fun and laughter, and don’t be afraid to go out and have adventures. Just remember to alternate periods of play with periods of rest. You can overschedule even a small baby. And, of course, you need your rest as well.
What to Do All Day
When faced with the prospect of spending each and every day at home with your baby, you might become overwhelmed. What will you do all day, anyway? This is totally up to you, so be creative. Do you like to exercise? Does your baby enjoy the stroller? Try taking a walk with your baby. The more your walk, the more exercise you get. Turn each walk into a lengthy discussion of what you see. Every time you point to the neighbor’s dog, your baby is storing the information. One day you’ll be rewarded with your baby’s shouting out, “Dog!” Remember that your baby learns through playing. This means that all the playing that you can do with your baby is a great opportunity for him to learn. Singing learning songs, like your ABCs, counting out the number of objects you lay on a blanket or the number of kisses you give your baby—these are all learning situations for him. They also tend to be fun for you.
