During the early stages of child development, establishing a morning routine can be a tall order. You want the day to run smoothly on the way to a child care center or kindergarten, but it isn’t always that simple with an energetic and exploratory little one. Getting children up, ready, and out the door each morning takes work. Eliminate stress and start the day off right with these helpful tips for establishing a successful morning routine.

4 Ways to Create a Solid Morning Routine for Your Child

1. Make Sure They Get Adequate Sleep

No parent wants their children waking up tired and grumpy, so make sure they get adequate sleep every night. During child development, this is pivotal, as it not only helps set them up for the day ahead, but also helps their brains and bodies grow strong and healthy. Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep; make sure your children have a set bedtime and sleep an appropriate amount of hours for their age. This makes it easier for them to wake up refreshed and ready to start the day. 

2. Prepare the Night Before

Make mornings easier by preparing the night before; get lunches made and packed, help children pick out clothing and lay out their selections, and make sure their backpacks are packed and ready to go near the door. This way, you aren’t scrambling while searching for supplies each morning. The more you prepare, the less you’ll stress.

3. Make a Morning Chart

Help young children recognize pictures and kindergarten children practice their words by creating a routine chart that lays out morning plans, and place it in an easy-to-spot location. Include tasks such as brushing their teeth, washing their faces, dressing, having a healthy breakfast, and grabbing their backpacks. Encourage children to be self-sufficient and finish each task themselves, checking off each one with stickers or markers. When children have a fun chart to follow and get used to each day, mornings will instantly become easier. 

4. Stay Calm

While mornings are stressful for everyone, remain calm, cool, and collected, no matter how frazzled you are. Children can tell when you’re feeling rushed, and they’ll either start resisting or get moody themselves, feeling like they’re letting you down. It takes a while to establish a successful routine, but always remain calm and help your children work their way through it. Eventually, they’ll adjust, creating less stress for you. It takes a team, so lead by example.

They’re only young once, so make the most of those child development years by teaching little ones a successful morning routine. At Cromwell, CT’s Northwest Children’s Center, children of all ages and stages are encouraged to get creative with a hands-on approach. With experienced, degreed teachers offering both full- and part-time programs, children will get engaged in both learning and play whether they’re infants or kindergarteners. Visit the child care center online to learn more, or call (860) 635-3485 today!