Kids are always telling us something, whether it’s through words or their behavior. You can strengthen your relationship anytime throughout the day and not only will mornings be easier, but you’ll create more frequent good times.įocus on things like playing games that get you both laughing, spending one-on-one time when you’re totally present (no cell phone!), telling stories from your childhood or theirs, or even just sitting together. When you have a strong connection with your kids they actually want to cooperate! But when you don’t, they won’t.
Maybe there are new skills you can teach your child like how to pour milk, put on pants, or squeeze out toothpaste (and also how to clean it off the bathroom counter, lol). It could mean making changes to make to the environment like putting the breakfast dishes in lower cabinets, limiting the amount of clothes they have to choose from, or having a set spot for backpacks. Look through each step of the morning map and ask yourself - Can my child actually do this? If not, what needs to happen so they can? Consider how to support and empower your kids to get ready on their own so they’re not in the other room doing who-knows-what! Involving your kids in this process makes it more likely they’ll follow the plan - since it’s theirs!Ĭheck out these ideas for printable morning checklists.Įven if your kids know what they’re supposed to do if they can’t do it, or do it easily enough, then it doesn’t get done. They can tape, glue, or draw photos or symbols on a sheet of paper to make a ‘visual map’ and hang it up in a place that’s easy to refer to as they get ready. You’ll eliminate power struggles because kids who feel more independent and in-charge of themselves have less need to push back.įirst, brainstorm what needs to get done in the morning and then let each child help decide what order they’ll complete each task. Kids like to know what to expect and what’s coming next because it helps them feel safe and make sense of their world.Ĭreating a morning routine with visual prompts like photos or symbols for each task allows your child to see what they need to do so you won’t have to constantly tell them (over and over again).
Mornings are a series of transitions and one thing that eases transitions is routine. Smooth Kids Morning Routine – More Listening & Cooperation
You can get your mornings turned around to where the kids listen, they cooperate, there’s no more yelling and rushing…and EVERYONE’S happier. I know because as a mom of three I’ve had my share of stressed out mornings that left me feeling exhausted, guilty and certainly not like the mom I want to be!īut, it doesn’t have to be that way. Mornings set the tone for the whole day so it totally stinks when they start off crazed and chaotic. Is getting somewhere with your kids in the morning a total nightmare - with you begging, nagging or losing your patience because they just won’t GET READY? Does your kids morning routine need a make over?