This Isn't Routine, Kid

I just want to clarify that I am in no way a professional, these are just my experiences and what has/hasn't worked for me. 

 I believe that routines are so crucial for kids, even adults...most adults function better with a structured routine. My son goes for a nap and goes to bed at the same time every night. He used to just fall asleep when ever I let him and usually in my arms with a boob or bottle. It was not consistent at all, and he slept horribly. He'd stay awake until 11pm, and then wake at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning. Now that he has a consistent time for bed, he is an amazing sleeper. If you're curious, He naps at 12:30pm everyday, until 2-3pm. I do not let his naps go past 3pm or he will not be in bed on time. He goes to bed at 7pm every night. He *knock on wood* stays asleep all night and wakes around 7am. My daughter on the other hand operates very similar. She grew out of naps before she turned three. She would sometimes crash at like 5pm, which is far too early to go to bed. So I'd give her like a 20 minute cat nap and she'd power through until bed time. Her evening routine starts right after the one year old goes to bed. She is done her routine and in bed between 7:30-8pm, depending how many stories she cons me into reading. She also *knock on wood* sleeps all night until at least 7am. 

My daughter has a really hard time with big changes, we got to preschool on Tuesdays, Sleepover at Grandma's on Friday's and a sleepover at Nana's on Saturday or Sunday. If her routine changes too drastically she will have a complete meltdown. When too many new kids are in her space she has not figured out how to deal. I have a sense she will struggle with anxiety.  I have recently accepted a few kids for temporary care during the week, just for friends, and mainly acts as a playdate for my daughter. The first day I had all of the kids in attendance she was so overstimulated and bawled for over an hour. She is more and more used to the extra kids each day. 

Meals are also quite consistent in our house. If supper is late being served or if I offer a new food, the kids usually refuse to eat it and ask for a comfort food. My daughter's is macaroni. Some days we have a late lunch if we're busy with errands and seemingly just throws the day off completely. 

What I'm getting at is that it took a lot of trial and error and tears to get into the groove we are in. I'm sure when I eventually go back to work or if we move into a new house, things will change again. When we moved into our current home, my daughter was nearly 3.5 years old. She had a hard time with the change and her potty training had reverted, and she was having accidents a lot. When her brother was born, just before she turned 3, she reverted then too. She cried more, was extra clingy, and peed in her undies a lot. Changes and lack of consistency is so hard for kids. I too, have difficulty when plans change last minute or if my usual routine gets thrown off. We do need to give kids more credit, because they are still learning how to handle emotions, and how to navigate their lives. KEEP. A. ROUTINE. I promise it will make your life easier.