Don't mess with the schedule

You know, they say children need schedules. "They" say "don't mess with their schedule, try and keep things familiar, etc., etc.."When people used to talk about their children's schedules or lack there of, we would espouse the benefits of a schedule and revel in Jason's like clock work schedule for just about everything. It was something we inherited from his foster mom and were pretty rigorous about maintaining, skipping many things for the coveted nap and/or bedtime.

Well, this summer, we got a little flexible with Jason's schedule. It started with the month long vacation and the almost a dozen different places that Jason slept. Then, in August, we have been away most weekends, skipping all naps. I have been tempted to stay a little longer at the beach, at the pool, at a playdate, leading to later naps. We have stayed late(r) in the evenings at places, saying "it will end in tears" and it did.

The result? My friends, we have lost the routine and a lot of ease that went with it. Jason easily stays awake in his room for 1, 2 or 3 hours after we put him down. He would easily nap into suppertime. The witching hour? Not at supper for this family, no we struggle between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. every morning.

Jason went to sleep at 10 ish last night, up at 7 ish and just yawned for three hours before not napping for 1 hour after being put in bed. I think he is now finally asleep. Now I am going to go look for our routine! We need it back!

:)LL