This post is about morning routine ideas.

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As summer draws to a close, a wave of emotions sweeps over us. Our kids return to school marks the need for a fresh routine, and the prospect of chaotic mornings seems daunting. Bid farewell to the frenzy with these morning routine ideas to establish a smooth rhythm and pave the way for your kids’ success in the new school year. Let’s leave behind the mishaps of past years, embrace these practical morning routine ideas, and witness a positive change in your mornings.

 

“Every morning starts a new page in your story. Make it a great one today.” ~Doe Zantamata

 

MORNING ROUTINE IDEAS

 

 

Prepare the Night Before

Don’t underestimate the importance of preparing the night before (even when the urge to procrastinate is strong!). Take advantage of preparing lunches in advance so that only perishable foods need to be handled in the morning. Consider the next day’s weather and plan outfits the night before to make mornings smoother. Keep backpacks organized and ensure that all necessary items are ready to go. The same is true for older kids who are more independent. Encourage them to complete these tasks the night before, as this preparation will help make your mornings less stressful and help you avoid any scrambling at the last minute.

  

 

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Get Everyone to Bed the Night Before

To maintain a consistent bedtime, start the nighttime routine earlier than you think you should. For example, if your child’s bedtime is 7:45 p.m., start the process at 7:15 p.m. This ensures that even with delays, your child will be in bed with the lights out by 7:45 p.m. If your child takes longer to wind down, adjust the timing even earlier to account for the inevitable delays. This simple adjustment provides flexibility while consistently ensuring your child gets the rest they need.

 

Wake Up Before Your Kids

Waking up before your children can be challenging for tired parents, but the benefits are worth it. Start the day with a 10-15 minute head start, which will make a huge difference and set a positive tone for the day. When you wake up earlier, you can take care of any pets, sip your coffee peacefully, and prepare breakfast before the morning chaos. It provides a calm and focused start to the day, setting a positive mood for the whole family.

 

 

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Simple and Nutritious Breakfast

Eating breakfast, even a small one, is essential for kids. It helps them focus and remember information during the day, which can improve their academic performance. Additionally, having breakfast can make kids more cooperative during their morning routine. Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, providing fruit, yogurt, and muffins in the morning can help kids feel full and concentrate on their morning tasks. It’s also an easy and nutritious option for tired, busy parents.

 

Share The Plan for the Day

In the morning, while having breakfast with your family, take the opportunity to discuss the plan for the day in detail. You can review the family calendar or converse with your children while they eat. This active involvement makes them more cooperative and aids in their preparation for the day ahead, ensuring they know what’s to come.

 

 

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Use a Chore Chart and Timer

As a busy parent, it’s important to remember that doing it all in the morning is overwhelming and unnecessary. Implement a chore chart for your children to help them contribute, stay on task, and develop a strong sense of responsibility. A visible chore chart will serve as a reminder of what is expected each morning. Additionally, a timer can be helpful for kids who struggle with completing things promptly. It teaches the value of working towards a goal within a specific time frame while keeping them on task.

 

No Distractions Until Ready

To stay focused and start the day right, minimizing distractions like screens, games, and toys in the morning is essential. These activities should only be permitted after completing the morning routine, which includes breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth, packing any last-minute items, and deciding on footwear. Screen time or playing with toys is allowed after the entire morning routine is complete, ensuring everyone is fully prepared for the day ahead.

 

 

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Give Kids Autonomy

Working toward a smooth morning routine is the responsibility of busy parents and their children. It’s a team effort, so children should be free to fully participate in making the morning a success. Encourage autonomy by assigning kids tasks and chores for which they are responsible and involve them in decision-making. For instance, include them in deciding what goes into their lunch, let them prepare their backpacks, and choose their clothes for the next day. The key is to provide structure and the appropriate options so everyone agrees on the outcome.

 

Build in Extra Time

Plan an extra 10-15 minutes each morning to accommodate unforeseen circumstances such as last-minute errands or unexpected traffic. Doing so can create a buffer that allows you to start your day with less stress, enjoy quality time with your children, leave home as scheduled, and arrive at school, work, or appointments on time.

 

 

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Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging children to follow their morning routine is challenging. When negativity creeps in, it can throw everything off track and overwhelm everyone. Stay calm and supportive, and gently guide children back on track when things go awry. By doing so, you can all succeed together.

 

 

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Embrace a more peaceful and organized start to your day by adopting these morning routine ideas, which sets a positive tone for the day. These simple steps can transform chaotic mornings into harmonious beginnings, where tears and tardiness are mere memories of the past.

MINDSET | ACTION:

Initiate a new morning routine by discussing the current process with your family. Encourage suggestions to enhance the process and share any morning routine ideas you’d like implemented. Once everyone is aware, begin the new plan and commit to it for at least 2-3 weeks to effectively address any challenges. Best of luck for a unified and triumphant morning routine!

 

This post was about morning routine ideas.

  

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