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Morning can be tough! I have never been a morning person. In fact, morning is probably the hardest part of my entire day. That’s why it’s so important to incorporate a positive morning routine.
Connect
I have heard that the most influential times of the day for children are: when they first wake up, when you pick them up from school, and when they go to bed at night. Having a positive morning routine sets them up for success for the rest of the day. Each morning do something to connect with your child. Hug them, talk to them one-on-one, eat breakfast with them. Connect in a way that they understand. Every child is different, so your way to connect will be dependent on your child. Here are a few ideas:
- hug for at least 10 seconds
- hold hands while you go to the kitchen for breakfast
- eat breakfast together and have a short conversation
- pray together
Affirm
Spend some time speaking positively to your child. Everyday we are bombarded with negativity. From the internet, to criticism from fellow classmates, teachers and even friends. Children need a positive outlook to maintain confidence. Affirming their strengths is such an important thing for parents to do. Each morning take a moment and tell your child two things that make them a wonderful person. Here are a few ideas
- You work really hard and I’m so proud of you. I know you’ll work hard today at school too!
- You are so kind. Kindness is very important. I am so happy that you take the time to be kind to others.
- You are going to do great at school today!
Try to let your child tell you what they are really good at, or something positive they think about themselves. It’s good to focus on what they already know.
Create Expectations
Each morning, do your best to create a atmosphere that helps keep things positive. This could be making toast or bacon in the morning, which your child then associates a good morning routine with the smell of toast.
Another way to approach this is to create an atmosphere that is positive and encouraging. You could play soft music, give your child a long hug, make eye contact and smile. Basically, the idea is to build a positive morning environment that allows your child to maintain a positive attitude before heading off to school.
Related: 9 Things I Try and Do For My Kids Daily
Build a Routine
Routines are the best way to help your child stay on task. Building a positive routine, every day, allows your child to wake up knowing what to expect. Do your best to practice the same, or similar routine every day. How do you keep up with a routine. Create a board with a list of what your children need to do:
- Make your bed
- Have breakfast
- Brush your teeth
- Get dressed
- Pack up your backpack and make sure your homework is packed
We have a routine in our home, and when someone wakes up late, there is a definite cog in the wheel. Everything seems chaotic and it seems to set off the whole day.
Practice
Routines, affirmations, connections, all take practice. Give yourself time and grace as much as you can. Also, lend grace to your child who will have to adjust to the changes you are making.
Remember, that this is also an opportunity to allow your child to practice some of the morning routine himself/herself. Allow your child to make their own breakfast, pack their own bags, do affirmations themselves, etc. After all, we are here to teach our children how to do things on their own.
By building a positive morning routine, we are instilling a positive beginning to the day that our children will learn and take with them as adults. It’s so important to set the day in the right direction. These steps can make all the difference in building your child up.
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