Surely, we all strive for peaceful mornings with our children. Why wouldn’t we? And for every tactic or idea for getting out the door smoothly, I guarantee we’ve all tried it.

But life happens and, inevitably, we find our families frantic and exhausted before 8 a.m. once again. Ugh.

As the school year begins to wind down, consider these tips as a reminder for a calm and positive morning routine with your family.

Because you all deserve it.

1. Do what you can the night before. Help your child set out their clothes for the next day, have their toothbrushes at the ready, decide what everyone will be having for breakfast, and pack all lunches and backpacks, including yours.
2. Make a chart. Children love routine, especially if they get to make note of their accomplishments. Each morning, have a chart on a chalk board or white board that includes their duties to start the day. Once they’ve dressed, combed their hair, brushed their teeth, made their bed, ate their breakfast or put on their coat, for example, they get to check it off on the chart. Nothing like starting the day feeling accomplished!
3. Make time to connect. It can be two minutes upon wakeup call. It can be standing at the sink brushing your teeth together or sitting at the breakfast table. But this is important: Make time to emotionally connect with your child before you both begin another busy day. Give them a smile, look them in the eye, ask them how they slept, ask them what they are looking forward to today and genuinely give them this time of yours. They need it.
4. Get dressed first. Whether it means you have to wake up an hour before everyone else or simply be out of your PJs, get ahead of everyone in some way so you don’t feel behind. Choose for yourself how much time you will need to stay ahead, but stick to it.
5. Turn on the music. Whether this is in your kitchen at breakfast time or in the car on the way to school or work, allow a few minutes to unwind. Choose as a family if you want to listen to peaceful music to start your day or some dancing tunes to smile to, but enjoy it. No matter how frenzied a morning may be, car time is an opportunity to take a deep breath and set your intentions for the day — whether alone or with your child. Music helps. Make it count.

How do you get the morning off to the right start? Share your advice, you never know what might help another parent get their breakfast routine on point.

About the Author

Angela Tewalt is a writer, storyteller and mother to two boys. She shares parenting stories and inspiration in Guidepost Parent.

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