Healthy Kids • YMCA Child Care
4 easy ways to simplify your family's morning routine
23 August 2016 - by Cheryl - YMCA Child Care
Every parent has experienced the struggle of the morning routine. From meltdowns over lost shoes to a full-on refusal to get dressed, kids can turn even the simplest of tasks into major events in the morning.
With the new school year starting in exactly two weeks, here are some tips for simplifying your morning routine and getting everyone out the door to school or child care on time.
1. Identify your biggest hurdles
You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know what it is. Take a few minutes to identify what specifically makes a mess of your mornings. Are you or your kids too tired to get out of bed? Maybe an earlier bedtime is needed so that everyone is getting enough rest. Does your kid take extra-long showers, even after being told to shorten his time? Consider introducing consequences for long showers, or make him take them at night.
It sounds so basic, but pinpointing the things that cause the most frustration and finding solutions for them is an essential part of simplifying your morning routine.
2. Prep the night before
Make sure that homework assignments are completed and checked, read and sign permission slips, and find and pack library books and other essentials for the next day. All this preparation will significantly cut down on glitches and obstacles the next morning like realizing that a shoe is missing.
Making lunches and snacks the night before might also lead to healthier options, since you won’t be making split-second decisions in the morning. When you take the time to make healthy food instead of throwing packaged products into a lunch box, your kids will end up with better fuel for the day.
3. Lead by example
The best routine can’t compete with a bad example. If you’re checking your email or eating breakfast in front of the television, don’t expect your child to independently complete his or her morning routine without falling prey to similar distractions.
Keep all screens turned off, and complete morning tasks that are similar to your child’s: getting dressed; eating breakfast; and making sure your purse or briefcase is packed and ready to go.
Being present both mentally and physically lets your child know which activities are important, and allows you to share some one-on-one time before you part for the day. If it is essential that you check emails or make phone calls in the morning, wake up and complete these tasks before the kids get up.
4. Get the kids in on the action
Remind your kids that all family members have a responsibility in preparing for the next day. Even the youngest kids can help with tasks like packing backpacks, making and packing lunches and snacks, choosing and laying out clothes, and setting alarm clocks.
In addition to helping to simplify your weekday routine, kids who participate in these tasks get the opportunity to provide input on important decisions and learn to do things independently. Children and teens who help to decide what they will wear the next day will be less likely to argue about it in the morning.
Mornings don’t have to be frantic if you follow these simple steps. Take charge of your routine, get the kids involved, and you’ll all start the morning on the right foot.
With the new school year starting in exactly two weeks, here are some tips for simplifying your morning routine and getting everyone out the door to school or child care on time.
1. Identify your biggest hurdles
You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know what it is. Take a few minutes to identify what specifically makes a mess of your mornings. Are you or your kids too tired to get out of bed? Maybe an earlier bedtime is needed so that everyone is getting enough rest. Does your kid take extra-long showers, even after being told to shorten his time? Consider introducing consequences for long showers, or make him take them at night.
It sounds so basic, but pinpointing the things that cause the most frustration and finding solutions for them is an essential part of simplifying your morning routine.
2. Prep the night before
Make sure that homework assignments are completed and checked, read and sign permission slips, and find and pack library books and other essentials for the next day. All this preparation will significantly cut down on glitches and obstacles the next morning like realizing that a shoe is missing.
Making lunches and snacks the night before might also lead to healthier options, since you won’t be making split-second decisions in the morning. When you take the time to make healthy food instead of throwing packaged products into a lunch box, your kids will end up with better fuel for the day.
3. Lead by example
The best routine can’t compete with a bad example. If you’re checking your email or eating breakfast in front of the television, don’t expect your child to independently complete his or her morning routine without falling prey to similar distractions.
Keep all screens turned off, and complete morning tasks that are similar to your child’s: getting dressed; eating breakfast; and making sure your purse or briefcase is packed and ready to go.
Being present both mentally and physically lets your child know which activities are important, and allows you to share some one-on-one time before you part for the day. If it is essential that you check emails or make phone calls in the morning, wake up and complete these tasks before the kids get up.
4. Get the kids in on the action
Remind your kids that all family members have a responsibility in preparing for the next day. Even the youngest kids can help with tasks like packing backpacks, making and packing lunches and snacks, choosing and laying out clothes, and setting alarm clocks.
In addition to helping to simplify your weekday routine, kids who participate in these tasks get the opportunity to provide input on important decisions and learn to do things independently. Children and teens who help to decide what they will wear the next day will be less likely to argue about it in the morning.
Mornings don’t have to be frantic if you follow these simple steps. Take charge of your routine, get the kids involved, and you’ll all start the morning on the right foot.
