The Power of Routines for Kids: Mastering Morning Madness

 

As a mompreneur juggling five rambunctious boys under 10, I can confidently say routines are the magic ingredient that keeps our household from resembling a hurricane zone. Here’s the thing, though – routines with little humans can feel like herding cats. Trust me, I get it. But before you tune out, listen up!

I believe strongly in routines at key points throughout the day. A good morning routine can start the day off right. A solid evening routine can get the kids settled into the right mindset to sleep well. And even having a loosely tied routine for summer and vacation schedules can help make the most of the free time you have as a family. So, come along with me on this 3-part series to dissect each routine and how to make it work!

 

Part 1: Mornings

Morning routines – those precious hours before the day explodes – are the foundation of a calm and productive start for everyone. These routines provide a sense of security and predictability for kids, especially little ones. They know what to expect, which helps them feel safe and in control. This translates to less meltdowns, smoother transitions, and a calmer household – for everyone!

Let’s delve into the nitty-gritty, shall we? We’ll explore how to establish winning morning routines for each age group, from the tiny tyrants (toddlers) to the (hopefully) more self-sufficient older kids.

 

The Mighty Minis (Ages 2-4):

These little bundles of energy require a gentle yet firm approach. Our goal is to establish basic habits that will grow with them. Here’s what a winning morning routine might look like:

• Wake-up Time: Consistency is key, even on weekends (within reason!). Aim for a consistent wake-up time, even if it means adjusting bedtime slightly on weekends.
• Fueling Up: Breakfast is the fuel for their tiny engines. Offer easy, healthy options like oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, or whole-wheat cereal. Keep things fun – let them pick a colorful bowl or use fun-shaped spoons.
• The Clothes Conundrum: Getting dressed can be a battlefield. Pre-pick outfits the night before (bonus points for letting them choose from two options) to avoid morning meltdowns.
• Brush Those Chompers: This can be a challenge, but it’s crucial for their developing teeth and sets the stage for remembering to brush every morning as they get older. I found that having two toothbrushes for Jack makes this SO MUCH easier! He gets to hold one brush with a tiny bit of toothpaste on it, Mama gets to hold one and we practice taking turns so he feels like a big kid, but his teeth also get clean.

 

Top Tips for Mighty Minis:

• Visual Aids: Charts with pictures of each morning activity can help them understand the routine and feel a sense of accomplishment as they complete each task.
• Be Flexible: Life happens. There will be days when sticking to the routine perfectly isn’t possible. Don’t sweat it! Just get back on track when you can.
• Make it Fun: Add a bit of silliness to your routine. Sing a silly song while they brush their teeth, or race each other to get dressed (within reason, of course!).

 

The Preschool Posse (Ages 4-6):

These little guys are a bit more independent, and it’s the perfect time to start fostering some responsibility. Here’s how we can adapt our morning routine to this age group:

• Building Independence: Encourage them to pick out their own clothes (within limits, of course). And even if it doesn’t match, or isn’t what you wanted them to wear, let it go! Praise them for the process of doing it by themselves.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Help them practice those morning essentials – brushing teeth, getting dressed – independently. Don’t jump in to help to make it go faster. We learned with Mateo that we just need to make sure there’s more time available so he can learn to do it on his own.

Top Tips for the Preschool Posse:

• Involve Them: As they get older, let them participate in creating the routine. This gives them a sense of ownership and makes them more likely to stick to it.
• Quick Morning Checklist: Forgetful minds are a reality at this age. A simple checklist with pictures of each morning task can do wonders!

 

The Elementary Einsteins (Ages 7-10):

These little Einsteins are (mostly) ready to handle mornings on their own. Here’s where the routine becomes more of a gentle nudge:

• Get Up and Go: Encourage them to wake up at a decent hour with a gentle reminder. On those tough mornings like after a long weekend, we have the “two more minutes” built into our schedule for Matthew, Jasper and MJ. If they are tired, we nudge them at wake-up time, then let them stay in bed for two more minutes with the light on to let them wake gently on their own. (And yes, sometimes there is another nudge needed!)
• Self-Sufficiency: Empower them to memorize the routine. I spoke to this a while ago in the post Cows in the Pantry: How to Get 5 Boys to School on Time – The Chaos Planner. We use the five-finger method: get dressed, make your bed, eat your breakfast, brush your teeth, get your shoes and water bottles. This is where you can start phasing out the checklist and applaud them for remembering all on their own.

 

Top Tips for the Elementary Einsteins:

• Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations for the morning routine and the consequences of not meeting them. We have the best encouragement for getting out the door on time. Everyone must be in the van by 8am for school. For every minute past 8am you are not in the van, you lose a minute of TV time in the evening. With our limited screen time, if that doesn’t get them moving, nothing will!
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate their successes! Positive reinforcement goes a long way in establishing lasting habits. If everyone is ready early, we are known to have some batting practice in the backyard before school. The boys race to get ready so they have time to play with Mama and Papi before school.

 

The Bottom Line:

Morning routines are the building blocks for a calm and productive day. Consistency is key, so stick to your established routine whenever possible. Remember, these routines aren’t about micromanaging, it’s about ensuring the priorities get done, the kids learn their independence, and parents can enjoy a calm(ish) home!