freedom or happy kids.... i have to admit this is a complete toss up!  although, the decision for me is an easy one.  i definitely go with happy kids.  sure, i would love to just go where i need to go and do what i want to do when the time was convenient for me.  just throw the kids in the buggy or car and go...right?  wrong!  well, i guess i should re-phrase that...wrong for me!  it's not that i couldn't do those things, but rather i choose happy kids over that freedom. i choose to work my outings around their meals and sleep times so that when we are out and throughout each day my kids are happy!  i choose to respect my kids' schedules for meals, naps and bedtime.  i work each day around their schedule.  people often say you have to make your kids adapt to your schedule.  in some cases you do.  if you have to go to work and take your child to daycare, than yes, you have to wake them or get them on your schedule.  there are instances where you need to train your child to work with a certain schedule, but once they are on that schedule i choose to and recommend you stick to it.  respect their needs and in return you will have a happy baby!  to me this is much more enjoyable than lugging around a fussy, crabby and unhappy child. by repecting the routines of hudson and beckett we avoid many meltdowns.  i have smiles throughout the day and they are free of anxiety.  little ones thrive on routine.  it allows them to have a sense of control over their day.  lack of a routine can make your child anxious or on edge.  the beauty of having a consistent routine is that when you do need to pull them out of it for travel or what have you, they remain their happy go-lucky selves.  some people fear that by scheduling your child they won't be adaptable, but in reality it is the opposite! this article from "baby center" states some ways to help get your newborn/baby on a schedule early on and also the importance of a consistent schedule. find a daily schedule/routine that works for you and your baby and stick to it!  watch and see the difference in your baby/childs' temperament.  i am certain you will be amazed!  makes giving up some freedom all worthwhile!!!  to subscribe to mommy secrets click here! click here to vote daily to help make mommy secrets blog #1!!!!!