We found two great articles on how to establish a morning routine for your child. We summarized the best points below. Then you can read the full articles at the bottom of the page!
Step 1: Set Sleep Goals
Kids ages 6-13 need 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Teens ages 14-17 need 8 to 10 hours of sleep. It’s important to stick to a regular sleep schedule (even on the weekends). Start by figuring out what time your child needs to wake up each day and then count backward to find out what time they should go to bed every night. Also, children need an ideal sleep environment with low lighting and NO SCREENS. Help your child wind down for at least a half hour before falling sleeping.
Step 2: Get Ahead the Night Before
Don’t leave anything to the morning. Pack lunches the night before, have your child lay out their clothes the night before, and make sure all forms and homework are signed and completed.
Here’s a cool tip! Assign a box/hook/shelf for all of the school essentials so you aren’t searching for backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes etc. each morning. Parents you can do the same for your work supplies as well.
Step 3: Wake Up on the Right Side of the Bed
Create a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere in your home in the morning by creating a positive morning routine. Play some upbeat music, and exchange positive words and encouragement (Ask your child what they’re looking forward to each day and share yours as well — no matter how small). Take time to connect with your family – give hug, hold hands, or give your child verbal praise to show them affection.
Step 4: Stick to the Routine
Creating a routine is only half of the battle, sticking to it is the key to success!
Help your child to write their routine down or make a chart of it. Then help and encourage them to make sure they complete their routine each and every day. Simple things like making the bed every day encourage tidiness, organization, and discipline all at once and can trigger other tasks to fall into place.
Here’s a list of some routine items you can add to your checklist.
- Make the bed
- Practice good hygiene
- Take vitamins or medications
- Get dressed
- Feed the pet
- Collect supplies
- Put shoes on
- Grab backpack/lunchbox
- Turn off all the lights
Remember, practice makes perfect! Encourage your child to try to stick to their routine every single day. Throughout the morning routine, encourage your child to take ownership of these tasks and try not to do everything for them. You’ll notice over time the routine will become easier for them! But also always remember, accidents and mistakes happen. It’s okay if one day their routine falls apart. Encourage them that things happen sometimes and that tomorrow is a new day.
Here are the links to the two articles below!
https://www.thezebra.com/resources/home/morning-routine-for-kids/
https://afineparent.com/lighten-up/morning-routine-for-kids.html