Mornings are always a moving entity, with parents trying to figure out the secret morning routine for kids to stick to so the family can leave the house on time. Each family has a different idea of what a successful morning routine looks like, but certain elements can make it more fun. If you haven’t quite found what works for your family and you need help putting together that right combination of things to create the ultimate morning routine for kids to start their day off on the right foot, we have the items to put on your list.
A good morning can only follow a good night
Don’t neglect the bedtime routine
There is no way you could even start a good morning routine if your child didn’t sleep well the night before. You could get through the morning with only a few bumps along the way, but to have a truly good morning routine, it starts the night before.
Depending on your child’s age, make sure they are getting the recommended number of hours of sleep at night, adjusting their bedtime depending on how early they have to get up. Their bedtime should be the same time every night, and their bedtime routine should be the same each evening, too.
Prep as much as you can at night
If your child struggles picking out their clothes in the morning, have them do it at night. If you always forget the water bottle on the counter, put it in the car at night (if it isn’t hot out). Anything you can do the night before will take stress off the morning routine. If your child takes a lunch to school, prep all parts you can the night before.
Think of when you have a big day at work or don’t want to be rushed in the morning; you prep as much as you can the night before. Do the same with your children.
Get the basics done
Eat something healthy
Those sugary cereals are always so quick and easy but will leave the kids crashing before lunchtime. Fruits are a great option, but try to offer something with protein to keep them going. Toast with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, or a ham omelet are all great choices.
Keep a chart or list handy
From brushing teeth and hair to turning off the lights, you want to have a list of everything your child needs to do in the morning laid out. It helps your child remember what they need to do and gives parents the freedom to go through their morning routine without having to stop every 5 minutes to ask if a child brushed their teeth.
Think of everything your child would need to do, whether that’s feed the family pets, take any medications, or get their hygiene routine done, and list it all out.
Take your time
Give your child up to 15 minutes of alone time
No child wants to just go, go, go in the morning and not have a second to think. Adults need a few minutes to either get out of bed or to just sit before leaving the house, and your child will appreciate that for themselves, as well. Once your child is up, let them know they have 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or however long you can accommodate to give them time to sit with themselves to mentally prepare for the day.
Schedule for delays
Leaving the house on time in the mornings rarely goes off without a hitch. Something spills, homework gets lost, or one shoe magically disappears. Give your house an extra 5 or so minutes to allow for little mishaps so everyone can calmly walk out the door.
Show everyone a little love
Say affirmations
We could all use a little extra love. Give your child a morning pep talk or let them read affirmations to themselves each morning. It doesn’t have to be long or drawn out and could be a few simple statements. You want your child in the right headspace to take on the day, and that starts with feeling good about themselves first.
Play music
This isn’t the same as turning on the television and everyone being late because you were watching a movie. Playing music releases the happy hormones and gets everyone in the mood to tackle the day. You have your rage-cleaning playlist, so make your child a soothing playlist of songs they like to get them motivated for the day.
No devices
This should be for the kids and parents. If your child has a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or other device, nothing gets used in the mornings. This sets a great example for everyone and turns the focus on taking care of yourself in the morning and not worrying about Roblox.
Have a bit of family time
Even 5 minutes of family time in the morning can get everyone on the same page and relaxed for the day. Read a joke out to everyone, sing a song together, or tell each other one thing you hope happens during the day, but bring the family together before everyone scurries out the door.
Whatever order you do, whichever parts speak to your family, incorporating these morning routines for kids helps get everyone on the same page — and happy about it. No two households are the same, but finding the perfect morning routine for your kids is a lot easier when you have these tricks up your sleeve.
