The back-to-school season often brings a mixture of excitement and apprehension for both parents and kids. One of the challenges can lie in establishing morning routines that sets a positive tone for the day ahead. At Beyond Speech, we understand the importance of creating a morning routine that not only reduces stress for you and your kids but also cultivates lifelong habits of responsibility and organization.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to creating a successful morning routine for your child. From prepping the night before to developing a sense of ownership and independence, these tips will make school mornings smoother and less hectic for the whole family!
Make Morning Routines Easier
1. Prep the Night Before
Stress-free morning routines begin the night before. Encourage your child to pack their school bag, lay out their outfit, and ensure that all homework and assignments are organized and ready to go. This small investment of time in the evening can significantly reduce the morning rush.
One way to make this even easier is to create cubbies for each day of the week. Your child can choose their clothes on Sunday night for each school day and be ready to go before Monday morning hits!
2. Early to Bed, Early to Rise
Adjusting sleep schedules a week or two before school starts can make waking up in the morning easier. Aim for a consistent bedtime that allows your child to get enough rest. Well-rested kids wake up more alert, ready to take on the day and better prepared for the work ahead.
If it is helpful for your child, try an alarm clock that helps them wake easily and peacefully, we love the sunrise alarm clocks!
3. Wake Up with a Smile
Not always easy to do, we know, but mornings really do set the tone for the day, so start with positivity! Greet your child with a smile and a cheerful “Good morning!” Encourage them to wake up calmly, perhaps with soft music or a gentle alarm sound.
Your energy will influence theirs so choose positive whenever you can!
4. Create a Visual Schedule
Visual schedules work wonders for school mornings. Create a visual chart that outlines the steps your child needs to take in the morning. Include actions like brushing teeth, getting dressed, having breakfast, and getting their backpack and lunch. A visual aid adds structure and clarity to their morning routines while helping them feel more independent!
5. Breakfast Brain Boost
A nourishing breakfast fuels your child’s body and brain for the day ahead. Opt for balanced options like whole-grain cereal, yogurt with fruit, or oatmeal. Encourage them to help prepare breakfast the night before, like setting out bowls or cutting up fruit.
Making sure your child is well fed each morning will help them better focus on the day ahead.
6. Empower with Choices
Empower your child by giving them choices within limits. Let them choose their outfit for the day or select between a few breakfast options. This fosters independence and makes them feel in control of morning routines.
You are also helping them work on organizational and executive functioning skills while they prepare themselves for the school day.
7. Screen-Free Zone
To help focus little minds on necessary tasks in the morning, keep screens off until the essentials are done. Designate a screen-free zone until your child is ready for school. This prevents distractions and keeps the focus on getting ready.
8. Time Blocks for Tasks
Divide the morning routine into time blocks. Assign specific times for activities like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and having breakfast. This prevents tasks from lingering and adds structure to the routine.
This is also an opportunity to use visual timers or other self monitoring tools.
9. Incorporate a Mindfulness Moment
Dedicate a few minutes to mindfulness or deep breathing. This can help your child start the day with a calm and centered mindset. Simple techniques like deep breathing or a short meditation as part of morning routines can make a big difference.
10. Encourage Responsibility
Assign age-appropriate responsibilities that your child can handle. Whether it’s making their bed, setting the table, or feeding the family pet, these tasks foster a sense of responsibility and contribute to a well-functioning morning routine.
It’s important to remember, as you’re creating and helping your child learn solid morning routines, that your approach and attitude are going to greatly influence your child.
If you are positive, supportive and encouraging about each piece of a new routine, they will be much more likely to adopt the same attitude – and it will make it that much easier.
So a few reminders…
Lead With Positivity
Praise and positive reinforcement go a long way in creating desired behaviors. Celebrate when your child completes tasks on time or helps out. Positive feedback motivates them to continue these habits.
Stick to Consistency
Consistency is key to establishing successful morning routines. Try to stick to the routine even on weekends or holidays. Consistency helps reinforce the habits you’re trying to build.
Lead by Example
Children learn by observing, so model the behavior you want to see. Establish your own morning routine and show them how you prioritize tasks and stay organized.
Build in Buffer Time
Account for unexpected delays by building in some buffer time. Whether it’s a spilled breakfast or a misplaced shoe, having a few extra minutes can prevent stress from derailing the routine.
Start A Morning Huddle
Gather the family for a quick morning huddle. This is a great time to communicate any changes to the routine or share important information. It also instills a sense of safety, support and connection that will help them feel so ready to take on the day!
Crafting successful morning routines is a gift you give to both yourself and your child. By following these friendly and supportive tips, you’ll create an environment that sets a positive tone for the day, reduces stress, and cultivates lifelong habits of organization and responsibility.
From prepping the night before to fostering a sense of ownership, each step contributes to a smoother morning routine. As you implement these strategies, remember that every family is unique. Tailor the routine to fit your family’s needs, and embrace the journey of creating a positive morning experience for your kiddo.
And if you need any further support, please reach out to us at Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists, we are there to help!
Click here to send us a message or call (779) 435-0724.