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Summer with toddlers is equal parts sweet and chaotic. We thrive on rhythms in our home—not rigid routines, but gentle patterns that help our days feel grounded. I thought it might be helpful to share what our current daily summer schedule looks like with a 2.5-year-old and a 1-year-old. Of course, every day has its surprises, but this is the rhythm we return to!

Morning Rhythm

5:00 AM — Mama time

I wake up early to have some quiet to myself. Some mornings I dive into my Bible, some days I catch up on computer work, and other times I just scroll my phone in peace with coffee in hand.

6:00 AM — A slow start

Sometimes I’ll start baking something for breakfast or go get ready for the day. It really depends on how the night before went!

6:30–7:00 AM — Kid wake-up + milk

The kids are up and immediately asking for their milk. This gives them a little something while I finish prepping breakfast.

7:30 AM — Breakfast time

I aim to have breakfast cooked, eaten, and cleaned up by 8:30 every morning. Some days that looks like scrambled eggs and toast. Other days it’s muffins or pancakes if I got the baking bug early.

Midday Rhythm

9:00 AM — Animal chores

We head outside to feed and water the animals. The kids usually help in their own toddler-ish way, and they love it.

9:30 AM — Outside play

If we’re not already outside, we make our way out after everyone’s dressed. Some days that happens earlier, some days it takes a while. No rush—just rhythm.

10:30 AM — Snack plate picnic

We keep things simple: crackers, cheese sticks, fruit—whatever’s easy to munch on while they play.

12:00 PM — Lunch time

12:30 PM — Naps + quiet time

My youngest naps around 12:30. I try to get my 2.5-year-old to nap too, but that’s hit or miss these days. If he’s not napping, he gets some quiet time with a show or movie while I work on my computer.

Afternoon Rhythm

2:30 PM — Wake-up + snack + back outside

I try to keep naps capped around 2–2.5 hours so bedtime isn’t a battle. After a snack, we’re back outside to soak up the sunshine.

3:00 PM — Start dinner

Yes, I really do start dinner at 3! It gives me time to prep slowly without the 5 o’clock rush.

5:00 PM — Kids eat dinner

They’re usually ready to eat by now, and I’ve found early dinners make our evenings much smoother.

6:00 PM — Husband gets home

His arrival time varies, but it’s typically around 6. I wait to eat dinner with him if possible.

6:30 PM — Kitchen closed + last outside play

Dinner gets cleaned up, the kitchen is closed for the night, and the kids get one last burst of fresh air before winding down.

Evening Rhythm

7:00 PM — Wind down

We all pile on the couch to cuddle and watch a show. Then it’s time for pajamas, milk, baths—whatever helps everyone ease into bedtime.

7:30 PM — Bedtime for the kids

9:00 PM — Bedtime for us adults

BONUS: Weekly Rhythm Breakdown

Monday — Deep cleaning + restocking

Reset the house after the weekend. Grocery run if needed and prep meals for Monday–Thursday.

Tuesday — Slow day at home + Small Group in the evening

Wednesday — Fun outing (or home day if we’re wiped)

Thursday — Grocery day + prep food for the weekend

Friday — Clean and tidy for the weekend

Summer days with toddlers are long, full, and beautiful. This schedule helps me stay grounded while giving the kids structure to feel secure and free to play. I hope it inspires you to find a rhythm that works for your family too—one that fits your season and leaves room for grace.

My Go-To Items For A Successful Summer With Toddlers

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Water Table: https://amzn.to/4mq8Wgo

Outdoor Rug: https://amzn.to/3H6iop7

Powerwheels Truck: https://amzn.to/3H1IJ7P

Toddler Trampoline: https://amzn.to/4jckUr8

Chalk: https://amzn.to/3Fhe0TL

Kids Table: https://amzn.to/43feem8

Remote control car: https://amzn.to/3Hdy7CT

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Want some easy (toddler approved) summer meal ideas? Click here!

See our rhythms in action on our Youtube channel!