A calm morning routine is essential for a peaceful and productive day. While living across four different countries (through my dad’s work), my mum stayed at home and homeschooled six children; I’m the eldest, and my youngest sibling is 11 years old now (a 16 year gap between us).
Alongside the joys of growing up in a large family and a bustling household, I can relate to how it can feel hard to use the word calm in conjunction with a busy morning, yet my mum and dad did an incredible job instilling mornings as a time of calming approaching the day ahead.
What if you could prepare emotionally and mentally for the day, and help your kids prepare in that way too?
With a good routine, lots of love and thoughtful consistency, it is possible to create a radically more peaceful and productive morning. One that encompasses your and your child’s physical and emotional needs provides a calm and joyful start to the day.
Create an Aim for Your Calm Mornings
Have an idea of what you want your mornings to feel and look like and adjust accordingly. I envisioned a clean kitchen, a peaceful house, a focused mind and happy toddler, and from there, the ability to get out of the house by 10am (for an activity with friends or to visit grandma, etc) and without feeling rushed or pressured.
Set a Flexible Routine
A flexible routine gives space for the ‘hiccups’ life may bring (a late night or anything that may have prevented staying on track). A flexible routine is simple and focuses on what brings joy to you and your toddler.
Focus on getting up at a particular time, eating breakfast at a certain time and leaving the house by a certain time and fill the gaps with the juicy goodness of a calm and happy morning!
Our Routine (that has created mostly peaceful and happy mornings!)
Our morning routine starts with Ezekiel getting up at 7am. From there, he joins my husband in the kitchen while he preps his breakfast and lunch for the day before heading off to work. Simultaneously, I prepare Ezekiel (18 months) and my breakfast (usually eggs and toast or porridge and fruit). Ezekiel and I sit down to eat breakfast at 7:30am.
We enjoy delicious food together and then after he is finished, we wipe his high chair tray and I give him an activity or colouring to do on his highchair. While he sits, I read him a passage from the Bible and act it out to make it more entertaining.
As a side note, there is often squirming and and coloured pencils thrown on the floor; it doesn’t always sound calm, but I’ve found the consistency has been important for teaching him self-control and developing fine motor skills.
At 8:30am, after his art work or activity, he plays in our back garden, digging in the dirt or with his mud kitchen and trucks. And as a bonus for being outside, did you know there are incredible health benefits being outdoors for kids?
While he plays outside, I clean the kitchen and get the house in order for the day, respond to any messages and feel more put together for the day.
By 9am, he is usually still digging outside or playing (it took effort and consistency to teach him that he was to play alone from 8:30-9/9:30 in the mornings… alone play time didn’t come naturally! I was inspired by Terrific Toddlers: Or Tantrum Free Two’s Almost by Mel Hayde where she speaks of the importance of teaching children calm, independent play.
Every time he would open the back door, I would gently tell him ‘mummy’s cleaning now, but I can’t wait to play with you as soon as I’m done’, and I would point him toward an activity outside and he would resume playing.
Between 9 and 9:30am, we go for a walk together around the block or head out to mother’s group or a catch up or to the shops. By 11:30am, we aim to be home and have lunch and heads down for his nap at 12.
Prioritise Simple Activities
Some simple morning activities include; playing outside, visiting a park, going to a (kid friendly) cafe and seeing a friend, reading books, doing chalk on the pavement, going to the ocean or pool, gardening together.
Prioritise an activity that you’ll enjoy too (or perhaps can enjoy from the sidelines); I’ve realised that if all the focus is on making sure the toddler his having a good time at the expense of his mum’s sanity, it’s easy to burn out quickly and then my toddler feels that I’m at my wit’s end and worn out… yet I want to give him and my family my very best! Your emotional and physical wellness is important as a mother because it is what sustains you to be a mother, wife, friend, and a beautiful human being.
Simplicity is key to Ensure both you and your child can peacefully enjoy daily moments.
A Calm Morning Routine Template
7am – Wake up
7:30am – Breakfast time (kids can help prepare breakfast by setting table or stirring porridge pot, or scrambling eggs)
8am – Art work or activity at the table or in high chair (calming music in the background to help focus)
8:30am – Outdoor play or play while you get dressed & ready for the day and tidy the house
9 or 9:30am – Head out for a walk or for a morning activity and catch up with friends
11.30am – Home for lunch and wind down for nap
Lunch ideas for kids could include last night’s dinner OR fruit or yoghurt pouches and bliss balls pre-prepared in freezer as well as veggies and fruit etc. *
12pm – Nap time (and your time to relax or work on a project)
I’m still very new to motherhood and would love all your advice and tips for kids as they get older! Comment below and share!
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