I’ve never ever been a regimented person and always hated schedules. I liked just doing what I wanted when I wanted. I thought I’d be the same flexible way with my son and I was for quite a while. However, we had lots of sleeping problems and crankiness and I was always exhausted and frustrated. Everyone says that “you learn as you go” when it comes to parenting. I whole-heartedly agree. You will get opinion after opinion and tons of unsolicited advice about how to raise your child. People will tell you what you should do and what you shouldn’t do, but I personally think you should only do what you are comfortable with and you will learn what works for you and your family. Well, I learned the importance of a schedule. Not only can I plan my day around the schedule, but believe it or not, it keeps things fun and interesting. I never really have to worry about what we are going to do because we have a schedule…..and everyday within that schedule is about 4 hours of “free time” where we leave the house and do something different. My son is now sleeping so much better and is in such a great mood all the time. He is never really overtired anymore and will sometimes actually go crawl in my bed when he’s ready for his morning nap. We are doing so well on a schedule, I will know for my next child(ren) that this is definitely the way to go.