How To Build A Morning Routine

Routine is so valuable for all of us but it’s especially important for children.  When a child has a predictable routine it reminds them that they are in a secure and loving environment.  Routines also help children balance fun and enjoyable activities like play time with necessary, functional tasks like getting dressed.  

Building routines with your little one helps them feel safe.

Children who have consistent routines are less anxious. Routines help you set clear and consistent boundaries and help you avoid power struggles.  Having structure throughout the day is important.  In particular having a simple and effective morning routine can set your whole day up for success.  This means more time for connection and less meltdowns.   Sounds like a win/win to me.  Below are some simple ways to build an effective morning routine.

Morning Routine Tips:

1. Get up before your kids.

   Ugh, I know! This is not what you wanted to hear.  Trust me, having a few moments to collect yourself and even have a cup of coffee before your children wake up is key in feeling calm and ready to take on the day.  If you are naturally an early riser, awesome! If you are like me and getting up is a struggle start with just 10-15 minutes before your kids wake up.  

2. Do the same thing every day. 

   This is key.  It’s extremely important to do the same thing in the same order each day so kids know what to expect.  When children know whats coming next they feel less anxious and are more likely to comply without a meltdown.  

3. Keep it simple!

   Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.  Ask yourself what are the necessary things that need to happen every single morning.  That is what should be on your routine.  Just the essentials! As you and your family get into a groove you may want to add more but in the beginning simple is best.

4. Offer choices. 

   Even though you are going to be doing the same exact thing every morning you can offer your children some choices within this framework.  Choices help kids feel in control and independent which leads to less power struggles.  This might sounds like: “Do you want to wear the blue blue shirt or the green one?” “Would you like toast or oatmeal?”. If your children try to come up with something that you have not offered it’s ok to say “That’s not a choice.”  Set the boundary and then stick with it.

5. Use a visual. 

   When you are starting a morning routine it can be very helpful for the whole family to have a simple visual schedule so everyone knows exactly what to expect. You don’t need a fancy schedule.  Simple is best! You can keep this on the fridge or in a common area so everyone can see it.  When you are starting a new routine it can be helpful to review the schedule with the child so they can see the pictures and know what to expect.

Here is an example of a routine (this can be paired with simple images that you take yourself of find online):

1. Wake up

2. Eat breakfast

3. Get dressed

4. Brush teeth

5. Leave the house 

Remember the absolute most important part of a morning routine is consistency. If you don’t do it every day it won’t work.  Every family is different so figure out what works best for you!  You can loop the whole family in and create the routine together.  This way everyone gets a say.  Once everyone gets in the habit of the new routine your mornings will be less stressful, less time consuming and dare I say it….enjoyable!