Planning your child’s morning routine is incredibly important. Just like adults, having a set schedule makes for a less chaotic day. A consistent morning routine helps children understand what to expect each day when they wake up. Plus, it promotes emotional and cognitive development by building a sense of responsibility and time management.
Every parent’s morning routine is going to look different and that is okay! It takes time to figure out what works best for you and your family. Some tips on what you can do to start your child’s morning off right could be:
Wake Up with a Positive Attitude
Starting off with a positive attitude sets the tone for the day that lies ahead and reconnects your bond with your child after a long night’s sleep. Something as little as five minutes of cuddles before getting out of bed or holding hands as you walk to the kitchen to get breakfast can make your child feel more connected to you while they wake up. It creates a loving and enthusiastic connection that can motivate a child to listen to the morning routine that you have planned for them.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
As the saying goes, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Eating a healthy breakfast can help jumpstart metabolism and help your child feel more energized throughout the day. Skipping an important meal like breakfast can cause a child to be irritable, unmotivated, and more tired throughout the day because their body has not had anything to refuel itself. If you think that having to prepare a healthy breakfast will not fit into your morning routine, try and prepare something the night before!
Get Ready for the Day
When your child is getting ready for the day, it is important to give them a sense of independence. For example, giving them two outfit options to pick from or having them brush their teeth while you watch increases the child’s likelihood of being excited to do these morning tasks. Overall, this will create a positive environment and make your child feel excited to get to do these tasks each morning.
Gather Supplies and Pack Lunches
Allowing your child to gather their bookbag and school supplies improves organizational skills. Plus, if it seems like more than just a task, your child is likely to want to do this every day before going to school. Checking their backpack with them to make sure they have everything they need will make your child feel involved in the process.
Set a Time to Leave the House
Setting a specific time to leave the house every day will enforce a consistent morning routine. A timer is an easy tool for helping your child with time management skills. Setting a timer during your morning routine will help you and your child stay organized.
Get Your Day Started!
Overall, a big part of a successful morning routine is a positive attitude. Surely, there will be some bumps in the road, but trying to move forward with a positive attitude will show your child that it is okay. If something doesn’t seem to work for you, don’t give up because there is always something else that you can try. Just like a lot of things in life, it takes time to adjust to the new normal and that pertains to both you and your child!
If you want help setting up additional routines for your children to follow, they can build healthy habits and experience consistency when enrolled at PALS Praise & Leadership Schools. Schedule a tour of one of our campuses by calling 309-691-4326 (Willow Knolls Location) or 309-315-3721 (Downtown Peoria Location).
