Mornings can be hectic, especially when you're trying to get everyone out the door on time. But with a few simple adjustments, you can set the tone for a positive, productive day for both you and your kids. By incorporating easy routines and mindful practices into your morning, you’ll help your children start the day feeling confident, focused, and ready to take on whatever comes their way. In this blog, Katrina Lien, Program Development Specialist with the fit team, shares five simple tips to help you create a calm, organized, and positive morning routine that sets everyone up for success.

Take some time to make the bed. The benefits of making the bed in the morning have a lot more power than you might think. Taking an extra two minutes to straighten out the pillows and flatten the bedding with your kids will help them feel like they’ve already accomplished something in the morning. As Katrina says, “Completing small tasks like making the bed can have a positive impact on a child’s emotional development and sense of responsibility. Successfully completing a task gives a child a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem.” It also keeps the room clean, and coming home to a made bed is an incredible feeling. Making the bed is an easy chore for kids of any age too, and it’s a great way to kick-start their day. Simply assigning small chores like this gives children a sense of ownership and responsibility, and they learn that their actions contribute to the well-being of the family.

Morning mantras matter. We all know that you need to brush your hair and your teeth, but what might your kids’ morning hygiene routines be missing? Adding some positive affirmations into their routines is a wonderful way to lift your child’s spirits and frame their mindset for the day ahead. Simple statements like, “I am confident,” or “I am kind,” can help them feel positive and empowered. Katrina explains, “Morning affirmations can offer psychological benefits for children through boosting their self-esteem and confidence. Children start to believe in their abilities and worth, leading to increased confidence in their everyday interactions. Affirmations can also cultivate a growth mindset to help children view challenges as opportunities for learning and development rather than as obstacles.”

Make time for breakfast: Breakfast is more than just fuel – it’s a foundation for focus, energy, and growth. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate meal; it can be something as simple as whole-wheat toast and a glass of milk. The important thing is making time for it, as even a quick, simple breakfast can set the tone for a productive day. The key is consistency and providing your kids with balanced nutrition. A nutritious breakfast can help regulate their mood, improve concentration, and support their physical development.

Be consistent. Not everyone is a morning person, and that’s okay. Mornings will continue to get easier as you follow through and stay consistent with your plans. Having a reliable routine helps children understand expectations and develop a sense of security. Even on rough mornings, staying consistent with your schedule creates stability and helps your child adapt to any setbacks. If you miss a step, don’t get caught up in it. Just accept it and try again tomorrow. “If your children become frustrated when they are struggling with a morning task, acknowledge their frustration and teach simple breathing exercises to help them calm down and be able to move on to the next task to keep the morning routine going,” advises Katrina. The only thing you can do is your best, and your kids will understand.

Expect and prepare for delays. We’ve all had those mornings when things don’t go as planned. Giving yourself a little extra time and being prepared for delays can reduce stress for the whole family. This not only helps you stay calm but teaches your kids the valuable lesson of time management. To better help them grasp this concept, Katrina suggests to, “Establish a consistent routine with having a visual schedule, set wake-up times, and prepare the night before. The use of a visual timer like sand timers or a digital countdown clock can also help children understand the passage of time.” Since kids learn by observing, you can further reinforce this lesson by modeling patience and remaining calm when unexpected situations arise. Learning to plan for the unexpected is a key skill that will serve them well in the future.

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