Tips For Mastering Your Child’s Morning Routine
Nail the proper bedtime, and everyone will have a better day. Before we talk about conquering the morning, we have to get through the night — with an adequate amount of sleep.
Mornings can be super stressful. Trying to get your kids dressed, fed, and out the door on time without getting late for the office could be exhausting.
Here are some tips to have the perfect toddler morning routine:
- Pre-plan your mornings
To ensure you have a jump-start to your morning routine, plan and get things done the night before. Shower your children the night before, ask them to pick an outfit for the next day, and discuss what they would like to have for breakfast and lunch tomorrow to avoid morning fuss. Check everything the night, such as homework and books, to have minimum work the next morning.
Once your child is off to dreamland, plan your morning. Prepare lunches for the next day a night before deciding the breakfast menu for yourself and the family. Keep in mind to set your child up for success with fiber, fats, and high-powered nutrients.
- Start the morning by taking time for yourself
Sparing a few minutes to do something you love can be a great way to start the morning. If you can, wake up a little earlier than the kids to plan out the day and have a clear head. Have your coffee, eat breakfast, work out, listen to the news, or do whatever you help gather energy for the day ahead. A little “me time” before the hectic juggle between home, work, and school can make a remarkable difference.
- Make wake-ups happy
Loud alarms and scolds can start the morning with an unneeded jolt for kids, leading to a cranky and tantrum-filled morning. Try setting your child’s alarm to play a poem or favorite song if they are old enough. For the little ones, wake them up with lots of snuggles followed by their favorite breakfast. Whatever option you choose, the aim is to make waking-ups gentle and pleasant.
- Follow the same routine EVERY DAY
Wake up, brush teeth, wash face, have breakfast, get dressed, and leave for school – a predictable and straightforward everyday routine. Children can get irritated following a new routine every day. When they know what is to come next, it helps them be prepared – because children are not a fan of surprises early in the morning.
To help them follow up with the same routine, try using a picture schedule to keep them in the loop.
- Don’t be messy
Nothing annoys you more than coming home to a messy house – it just reminds you that the day is not over yet. Train the kids from an early age to clean up after themselves. Designate spots for everything – school supplies, books, coats, shoes, toys, etc. Create a simple after-school routine that teaches the child to unpack their bags and keep everything where it belongs. Moreover, try keeping children’s items in plastic containers and labeled baskets to make looking for things more accessible.
- Make the clock your friend
Here’s a tip – put clocks in every. Single. Room. Put it in the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, dresser, everywhere. Having clocks visible puts you in the habit of keeping a check on time that helps manage it and likewise teaches kids to manage time.
Incorporate time management by giving practical countdowns, “At 5:30, I need you to stop playing and get ready for snacks”.
- Always double-check
There is nothing more boggling than reaching the school on time and having your child realize they forgot their lunch or book at home – just when you thought you would be on time for work. Create a habit for yourself and the children to check and recheck before leaving the house – BEFORE!
Initially, it can be challenging to remember all the items that need checking, so create a list of things and stick it to the door that the children can access before leaving. While you put your shoes on, have the kids go thru the list to make sure they have it all. And before you leave the door, make sure you double-check the list again in case the kids missed out.
- Lastly, don’t forget to reward the little one
If you want to encourage kids to continue with good habits, reward them. For example, if your child gets ready for school and is done with breakfast and still has time to spare, give them an appreciation sticker followed by a reward – play their favorite game or read a book.
Rewarding is essential if you want your child to adapt to a habit permanently. Try putting up a monthly/weekly planner for each child that helps keep track of things. At the end of the month, discuss each child’s progress and reward them for doing well.
At MSODT, we introduce new challenges to children at their own natural pace. This enables children to form a habit of being successful one step at a time, building a firm foundation for continued enthusiasm, as well as their lifelong quest for knowledge. Once on their way, they cannot be stopped as they explore their immediate surroundings, and eventually, the universe. Visit our website to learn more.