How To Create A Morning Routine For Kids
Daily Routine For Kids
Did someone say routines?
Routines are my love language. I am not exaggerating!
I am not sure kids would be as excited by the word routine. But even if they don’t say it out loud they do like it. They like to have an idea of how things are going to go. It is a comfort to know what to expect.
It may take a little trial and error to get into a rhythm that works for your family. But once you find one that works it will literally feel like hitting the jackpot!
I am a firm believer that a great morning sets the tone for the day. Make it a priority to have a kick-butt morning routine that puts some pep in everyone’s step.
Here Are 9 Tips to Help Create a Successful Morning Routine for Kids
1) Sleep
Of course, we had to start out with this heavy hitter.
Sleep is such a beautiful thing. And let’s be honest! Not getting enough sleep can make anyone a little cranky. And by a little cranky I mean a complete monster.
Getting enough sleep is vital to starting your day off on the right foot. This is especially true for kids. We do not want to send them off to enjoy their day feeling grouchy or sluggish.
Sleep is one major way we can prepare them for the day ahead!
2) Have Everything Ready
Mornings can often feel rushed. Getting everything together the night before eliminates this feeling (for the most part)!
Pick out clothes the night before. Same goes with having backpacks ready and lunches made.
This also just makes things go much smoother. The to-do list in the morning should not be a mile long.
3) What’s First
There is no right or wrong way to make a routine. Find what works for your family and stick with that.
My daughter is an early riser. Always has been. She wakes up and she is ready for breakfast. That is always what we do first.
She has yogurt and some fruit for breakfast almost every single day. She looks forward to her breakfast.
Maybe your child likes a few minutes of quiet time before they start going. Or maybe there is a certain song they love to hear. Knowing what you are going to do first gives a child something to look forward to.
4) Positive Atmosphere
Some kids may wake up smiling and ready to go. Others may be the complete opposite.
I try to create a calm environment in the morning. Nothing too loud. Did you just laugh out loud? I didn’t say the kids wouldn’t be loud! Maybe if you keep it calm as a cucumber it will rub off on your kids. Worth a shot!
I usually have some music playing quietly. And I try to be as positive as possible. I put on a happy face even when I don’t want to.
How can I expect my daughter to be cheery if I am the exact opposite? Starting the day with positivity can and will make all the difference.
5) Make it Fun
Fun. If you are scratching your head, let me explain.
We want to put our kids in a good state of mind before we send them off. I really feel like that is our responsibility.
Do you know where I like to add some fun? To an area that is challenging. For my daughter, that is getting her shoes on. Man, it can take so long some days I feel like I could lose it. So instead, I TRY to make it fun.
I either race to see who can put their shoes on faster. Or I will kiddingly try to put on her shoes and ask how I look.
Maybe everything falls apart when it comes to getting in the car? How about acting like your car is a spaceship or a jet plane.
Just try to throw some fun and laughter at any problem area.
6) Talk
This is one of the main reasons I love to have everything ready the night before. As much as you can, say goodbye to the rush rush rush mentality.
Talk about their day ahead. Is there anything they are looking forward to. Anything they are excited (or not excited) about?
Maybe they want to tell you about a friend they made.
The point is to try and leave a few minutes for chit chat.
7) Be Consistent
If you have kids that will actually sleep in, I am jealous! My daughter has not yet caught on to that concept. Maybe one day!
But I tend to stick with the same bedtime on the weekends. There is no way I am messing up her schedule. Now, this does not mean there are not exceptions. I am not saying to stick to the exact same routine every single day no matter what.
But flip flopping from routine to a free for all may come back to bite you.
8) Keep a Routine Going Throughout The Day
Mornings are very important. But the afternoon deserves a little attention too.
We always have a snack right after school. And then it is no more snacks until dinner.
Any learning activities are done around the same time. TV or iPad time is around the same time.
I carry this mentality throughout the entire day.
9) Be Flexible
We are talking about kids here. They are not robots. There will be amazing days and there will be days where you just want to go hide in your bedroom.
Maybe your kid is just feeling a little off. Do you ever feel like we don’t allow kids to have bad days? How dare they wake up on the wrong side of the bed?
Add a little bit of go with the flow to your routine.
Just this morning my daughter changed her mind about what she wanted to wear. Was this ideal? Nope. Was it the end of the world? Nope.
Kids thrive on routine! They really truly do.
The goal should be more smiles and fewer tears. Create a routine that gets everyone out the door with at least a semi smile on their face. And maybe a little less food on their face. I am speaking from experience. Anyone else have a kid that no matter how many times you wipe their face there is still food? That is my child all day every day!
Having a great routine does not mean every morning will be a peaceful oasis. I wish! But it does mean that you are doing all you can to try and be sure everyone has not only a great morning but a great day!
They may not thank you for these routines until they are older. Just know you are doing a dang good job!
Have any thoughts on a morning routine for kids?
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