For those that have child care in your home.....

[DeChRi]

Do you set up any schedules? I've never been a scheduler. My DD2 is 16 months and we have 2 girls that nanny for us, alternating day, 40 hr/week. I think they are needing some guidance in the change from being able to just rock a sweet baby to sleep, and doing stimulating things with a toddler. Let me say, they are both great and willing to do anything. We are thinking maybe we plan daily activities...art activities, active play, etc etc to help them out.

How much do you guys plan and how much do your sitters just do?

[RockStarMom]

At that age I would just make sure to have plenty of activities available--stroller/sand toys for walking/going to the park, box of art stuff, and plenty of toys and books. At 16 months there are so many variables and open play is really what they need--I wouldn't try to impose too much structure on the day.

[Justmee]

I babysit in my home now, so it's a bit different. I have nannyed in the past though.

I think the transisition is a difficult one because it just kind of sneaks up on you. It's not like one day they are a 6mo happy to stare at some toys on the floor, and they wake up a 3yo who needs more structure to the day (or not).

Has the nanny been with you for a while? Maybe just set up a meeting with each one individually to talk about the transision. I would think in your head what would be ideal for you, but not nessasrily schedule out the nanny. You don't want her to feel like she *has* to paint from 9 - 9:30 every Tuesday & Thursday, kwim? Maybe just talk to her about outings (is she driving your baby or walking). If you can find out some schedules (there is story hour at the library 3 blocks away on Wed. from 2 - 2:30). One of hte girls I watch now is 16 months and I don't do outings or anything (since I have more kids and she's only here 2x a week for a few hours). You can also mention stuff you got. Hey X, I just wanted to let you knwo we picked up some crayons for Y she really seems to enjoy them. It's hard to say because 16 months is a vastly different age for different kids. The baby I have is really still a baby. I've seen other 16 month olds who are definatly toddler in their interests and abilities. A lot depends on the kid.

When I have younger toddlers my basic schedule is something like this (just for an idea).

7:30 - 9:00 - arrive, play with toys
9:00 - snack
9:20 - book / color / some type of activity
10 - 11 park
11 - nap
1 - lunch
1:30 - activities in the house.
3:00 - park again (sub backyard but we are in an apartment. snack in park).