Kids Morning Routine – Parents Guide To A Calmer Morning
Want a good kids morning routine? Here’s an in-depth parent’s guide to creating a calmer morning routine with kids.
Let’s chat about a kids morning routine.
Let me ask you a quick question:
What are mornings like at your house?
Maybe you’re running late and the kids are cranky.
Maybe it seems like the more you nag, the slower they move.
Do you sometimes feel like you’ve put in a full day’s work before you even sit down at your desk?
I hear you!
Now imagine how different your life would be if you could stay on schedule and start the day in a happier mood.
Make mornings easier by following this simple checklist.
Steps to Take Yourself:
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 1 – Assess sleep needs.
If you and the rest of your family are tired each morning, you’re probably not getting enough sleep. Try an earlier bedtime.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 2 – Prepare the night before.
Accomplish as much as you can the night before so you’re less rushed in the morning.
Pack lunches and confirm that homework assignments are completed.
Lay out your children’s clothes and shoes.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 3 – Set priorities.
Shorten your to-do list.
Focus on the essentials and be flexible about the details.
Let your kids style their hair their way as long as it’s clean.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 4 – Stay organized.
Create systems that keep things running smoothly.
Post a central calendar.
Put out bins where your kids can deposit backpacks and bike helmets when they come in the door.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 5 – Budget extra time.
Plan for delays.
Give yourself 15 more minutes than you need so you’ll arrive at work on time even if you have to look for a missing toy.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 6 – Get up first.
Enjoy a few minutes of peace before the rest of the family gets up.
Taking care of yourself first will make it easier to deal with anything that comes up.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 7 – Stay calm.
Your children will follow the example you set.
Take a deep breath and keep smiling.
Steps to Take with Your Children:
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 8 – Focus on connecting. Transitions are especially challenging for children.
Pay attention to their feelings so you can be encouraging and supportive.
Be patient guiding them through tying shoelaces and pouring milk.
Hug them and thank them for their efforts.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 9 – Offer choices.
Being presented with options is more pleasant than taking orders.
Ask your son which shirt he wants to wear.
Discuss whether your daughter would rather brush her teeth or comb her hair first.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 10 – Share responsibility.
Give each family member a chance to weigh in.
Assign tasks based on their age and abilities.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 11 – Create incentives. Show your kids that good behavior pays off.
If you manage to leave the house earlier than planned, stop for hot chocolate on the way to school.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 12 – Rehearse your roles.
On the other hand, if your system still needs some tweaking, practice your moves at a time when you’re feeling less pressured.
Schedule a drill on Saturday afternoon.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 13 – Eat breakfast.
A nutritious breakfast gives you energy and helps you to think more clearly.
If possible, sit down together to share your meal.
If that doesn’t work out, prepare something you can eat in the car, like smoothies or bean burritos.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 14 – Turn off the TV.
Minimize distractions.
Keep the TV off and check phones or computers only for necessities like urgent emails or the weather report.
KIDS MORNING ROUTINE
Tip # 15 – Have fun.
While you’re juggling so many different responsibilities, remember to enjoy any hours you spend together as a family.
Find something to laugh about or race each other to the car.
All in all, you can put an end to morning madness.
Remember the way your family spends the early hours sets the tone for the rest of the day.
One positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.
Look for ways to simplify your morning routine and let your children know you appreciate their cooperation in getting up and out the door as smoothly as possible.
If you win the morning, you win the day. Tim Ferriss
My morning routine definitely sets the tone for my day. If I’m rushed and stressed in the morning, that will carry through my work day. Tessa Miller
You’re like a well. If water is being taken out of the well but there’s never any rain, that’s when everything falls apart and you feel stressed and depleted. Jess Van Den
You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success if found in your daily routine. John C. Maxwell
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I’m Frances Vidakovic – a mindset & action coach for quietly ambitious women who want to stop overthinking and finally take aligned action. I help women achieve their goals and follow through on what matters, without sacrificing their sanity or soul.