Maintaining Sanity with Two Kids Under Two

If you have multiple small children, it can be very difficult to not stress out while caring for them. I have two under two. A 14 month old, and a 3 month old. It has taken trial and error to figure out how to effectively care for them, and retain my sanity as well. I've learned that, of course, I can't do everything on my own. But, when I am on my own, at home with them by myself, these three things have helped me tremendously.

Wake up Early

If you wake up early then you will have time to shower, eat breakfast, or get some work done. This has taken me a long time to accomplish. I used to get up when the baby woke up. Their cry was my alarm clock. But, I feel so much better when I awake before they do and get my shower and breakfast out of the way. I'm dressed and ready when they wake up. If you don't do this, you may not get a shower for the rest of the day, or until your spouse comes home. I always feel better when I shower in the morning and get dressed. It helps the rest of the day flow better for me.

Have a Schedule

A schedule is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I wouldn't suggest that it be a strict schedule, but you need some kind of schedule to keep you on track. Diaper changes, feedings, naptimes, bedtimes, time to go outside, indoor play, chores, etc. It will not only help you, but help your children. Children thrive in a structured environment. They know what to expect. Adults thrive that way, too. It helps me feel accomplished when I can check things off of my to do list. Otherwise, I feel frazzled and unaccomplished.

Be Diligent In Child Training

I used to have to nurse my toddler to sleep before his baby sister came. And, sometimes, I still do. I try to get him down for his nap while she is already sleeping, so that I can do that. But, it doesn't always happen that way. If she is awake, I can't nurse him to sleep. So, I've had to train him to lay in his bed and go to sleep when I say lay down. Of course, I should have probably already been doing this, but, I digress. Getting him to take his nap on schedule by me just laying him in his crib is a sanity saver with an infant to care for as well. The more you train the older child or children, if you have more, the better things will run, because they will do as you say.

These three tips have been life savers for me. Implementing each of these has helped me to effectively rear an infant and toddler, without getting really stressed out. Of course, there will be stressful times, that is inevitable. But, you will have a more streamlined, productive day when you follow these three tips.