Hello, lovely readers! Today is July 1st, and we're officially counting down to the school summer holidays. This year holds a special poignance for our family, as my youngest daughter is about to finish Primary School. This milestone signals the end of our Primary School journey, a path we've been on for many years with both of my children.
As a mum, I find myself feeling quite emotional. The school run and all the associated activities have been a significant part of our daily lives, and now we are preparing to transition to High School in September.
With these changes on the horizon, it's more important than ever to approach the end of the school year with a mindful attitude. Recognising and embracing our emotions, while celebrating the experiences and achievements we've shared, can help us navigate this transition with grace and positivity. One way to cultivate this mindfulness is by establishing a calm morning routine. Here are some tips to help you and your children start the day positively:
Mindful Parenting: Creating a Calm Morning Routine for Kids
Tips for a Calm Morning Routine
1. Prepare the Night Before
- Clothes and Supplies: Lay out your children's clothes and pack their school bags the night before. This eliminates the morning scramble and ensures that everything is ready to go. As they grow older, they might choose to do these activities themselves. My daughters both chose to prepare their own school uniforms and lunch bags when they reached Year 5 because they decided that they wanted to be more "grown up" and more independent.
- Lunches: Prepare lunchboxes in the evening, so all you need to do is grab and go in the morning. Both my girls take packed lunches to school, so I routinely check our food cupboard to ensure that their favourite snacks and drinks are available. This reduces stress in the morning when they can just grab their lunches and go to school.
2. Create a Morning Checklist
- Having a checklist can help children understand what needs to be done each morning. This can include tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and packing their bags. It provides a clear structure and reduces the chances of forgetting important steps. My younger daughter has a chalkboard on her bedroom door where she writes her checklist. We also have a white board in the hallway where my children, my husband and I can write our daily checklists so that we all know what we need to do and when.
3. Wake Up Early
- Allow yourself and your children enough time in the morning so you're not rushing. Waking up just 15-30 minutes earlier can make a significant difference. This extra time can be used for a calm breakfast together, a bit of stretching, or simply a few moments of quiet. We like to set our alarms for half an hour before we need to get out of bed so that we can snooze them and wake up slowly.
4. Establish a Consistent Routine
- Consistency is key to a peaceful morning. Try to wake up, have breakfast, and leave the house at the same times each day. This predictability can be very comforting for children and helps them know what to expect. During Primary school I agreed a set time with my daughters for when we needed to be getting dressed, eating our breakfast and leaving the house, and it worked well when they got older and were able to understand how much it improved our stress levels. I will admit that we didn't always get it right when they were young!
5. Incorporate Mindful Moments
- Introduce simple mindfulness practices into your morning routine. This could be a few deep breaths, a short meditation, or even a moment of gratitude. For example, while eating breakfast, you could take turns sharing one thing you're grateful for. Both my daughters will make time for a hug with me before they go to school as this relaxes them and gives reassurance when the world is overwhelming.
6. Limit Screen Time
- Screens can be a major distraction in the morning. Try to keep the television, tablets, and phones off until after your children are fully ready for the day. This helps keep them focused on the tasks at hand. I admit that I kind of gave up on this point as my girls will carry their phones around the house while they get dressed and have breakfast. They need the background noise, and since it doesn't affect their timekeeping, I decided that it wasn't an issue for our household, and I should choose my battles. You can decide what works for your family based on neurodiversity and personal circumstances.
7. Positive Affirmations
- Start the day with positive affirmations. You can do this together as a family, encouraging each other with kind words and positive thoughts. This can boost your children's confidence and set a positive tone for the day. Sometimes I will stick Post-It notes on cupboard doors with an affirmation such as, "Today I will smile more" or even just a smiley face to cheer my children up (and my autistic husband).
Embracing the Transition
As we approach the end of the school year and the beginning of a new chapter, it's crucial to stay mindful and present. A calm morning routine not only sets a positive tone for the day but also helps us cherish these final moments of our Primary School journey. It's okay to feel emotional; it's a testament to the love and dedication we've put into these years. Let's celebrate our experiences, the friendships made, and the milestones achieved.
A mindful approach to our mornings can make a world of difference as we navigate these transitions. Let's embrace the change, celebrate our journey, and look forward to the new adventures High School will bring.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful morning routine!
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