Implement a positive morning routine to make every day easier for you and your kids. If you focus on one step at a time, you and your family will learn to appreciate — and maybe even love — mornings.

1.   Start at Night

The key to a successful morning routine is night-time preparation. No matter how well thought-out, positive, or encouraging the next day’s plan is, it won’t be effective if your children don’t get enough sleep.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, preschool-age kids need 10-13 hours of sleep each night. Many factors contribute to how well and how long your child sleeps, most of which are in your control.

To create a healthy sleep atmosphere, consider methods of blocking disruptions like street noises or barking dogs. Improving your kid’s sleep quality could be as simple as getting a noise machine.

One great sleep tip is to make bedtime a consistent family affair. Have you ever tried to put your little one to bed, only to receive a “But why can’t I stay up with you?” If your children think you’re sleeping, too, bedtime will seem more fair.

Another important factor in their sleep quality is screen time. If you have trouble getting your kid to put down their device, you’re not alone, but doing so before bed is vital to good sleep. Try to set a consistent “shut-down” time so they get used to putting electronics away before bed. 

2.   Hug It Out

Start your child’s day out with a hug. This may sound like a strange rule to include, but hugs are scientifically proven to improve quality of life — and mornings.

Have you heard of the 4-8-12 rule? Specialists recommend four hugs daily for survival, eight for maintenance, and 12 for growth.

Starting the day with a hug will help kids feel secure, boost their self-esteem, and—most importantly—make them feel wanted. Don’t forget about yourself—adults need hugs, too.

3.   Make a Healthy Breakfast

Breakfast has an astounding list of benefits for kids, including better academic performance, improved mood, memory function, and much more. Eating in the morning gets nutrients pumping through the body, allowing your little one to tackle the day with positive energy.

To ensure they receive all the benefits breakfast offers, be choosy about what you’re feeding them. Some healthy options include: 

• Yogurt and fruit: Combine for a great source of vitamins, amino acids, calcium and excellent probiotic health
• Oatmeal: Bake or prepare traditionally with oats for a high-fiber breakfast option
• Whole wheat toast: Get creative with toppings like avocado and fresh jam
• Eggs: Provide 6 grams of protein and can be prepared in various ways
• Granola Bars: Grab-and-go option for a quick, healthy start

Avoid foods high in sugar, like common kids’ cereals and pastries, and go for vitamin-rich foods that will keep them full and provide them with energy.

4.   Set Up Independent Tasks

When constructing your child’s morning routine, add some tasks that require them to practice independence. These could be as simple as tying their shoes or brushing their teeth, or something requiring more responsibility, like feeding the family pet, making their bed, or watering a plant.

Independent chores allow kids to prove themselves, giving them confidence for the day.  Consider implementing a physical schedule into your morning to create a consistent routine. Checklists make their actions tangible and provide a sense of satisfaction.

5.   Give Positive Affirmations

Teaching your little ones positive affirmations shows them the art of positive thinking and allows them to develop a growth mindset. Affirmations include positive language, visualization, and implementation.

Try repeating sentences that start with “I am” each morning. For example, if you know your child has a big test that day, you could use “I am smart, no matter how I do” or “I am a good student.” Encouraging them to practice repeating phrases like this will help teach them self-love — a skill that will carry them throughout life.

6.   Be Consistent

If you’re ready to implement a positive morning routine for your kid, remember — consistency is key! Like most things in life, schedules take practice. However, if your morning “parent routine” is dependable, your child can start the day feeling safe, confident, and comfortable.

Pick a few ideas that work for you and stick to them. If an element isn’t working, you can always swap it out, but give it a chance first.

7.   Practice Your Own Positivity

You’re always focusing on what’s essential for your child, but don’t forget about yourself in the process. Your happiness and positivity are just as important. Every suggestion above works better when you engage in it alongside your kid, so use this list to practice your own positive morning routine.

Take a few minutes before you wake them up each day. Do you like coffee? Puzzles? Whatever your destresser may be, give yourself time each morning to do it. Doing so prepares you for the day so you can prepare your child.

While you’re centering yourself, practice your own positive affirmations. If you believe them, your kid will, too.

Kickstart Your Child’s Day With a Positive Morning

Implementing positive morning strategies and routines can help make the start of the day easier for you and your child. From nightly preparation to consistency to your personal mindset, following these tips creates the foundation for a healthy, productive day for the whole family.