Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Oakland, CA

Like they're talking about over on the National Being Savvy Blog, preschoolers LOVE routines. And so do I. You may be routine and schedule averse. I know I was before becoming a Mom. But if you look closely, you will find many, many natural routines in your day. What do you do when you wake up? Likely the same exact sequence of events every day (save a sick child or other surprise).

Our toddlers and preschoolers love to know what comes next -- imagine knowing nothing in the entire world and having to learn it all -- that's our children's situation and it's daunting! Scary, even! They need, crave, and thrive on routines. When you act as an "Alpha" (that's the dog owner in me coming out) and set the pace and the routines for the day, your child will feel secure and free to improvise -- and YES, test your boundaries.

This is all normal, natural, and healthy (if not frustrating). Putting some routines in place will make life with your preschooler much easier. It's easy to start -- take your morning routine, for example. We start every morning with some cuddles, then go downstairs for milk in a sippy cup and prepare the 'baba' (coffee) and waffles together.  It's the simple things that my son loves the best.  He loves knowing that his waffle is cooking in the toaster and that he can help make the coffee by pushing the start button.  It also offers easy 'teaching moments' for boundaries like "HOT" and "OFF-LIMITS" (i.e., DON'T TOUCH THE TOASTER OR THE COFFEE POT!).

Bedtime routines can be tricky to keep during the holidays, what with later family dinners and staying at Grandma's or having houseguests. But because sticking to the schedule, as much as possible, will keep your child feelin more secure, and of course, more rested, it is well worth the effort and 'fight' to stay on track. One thing I'm planning on doing is keeping bedtime within a half hour window, and following our simple evening routine: bath, lotion and jammies, two books and down to bed. What will you do to stay on track?