As your child grows and starts school and other activities, a morning routine becomes more and more important. The best time to establish their morning routine is when they are younger.
Here are six tips to help build your child’s independence around their routine.
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Wake up at the same time every day
Some children complete this step naturally without any help. Other children may enjoy sleeping in, especially after the age of four.
No matter what you have going on every day, help make sure they wake up at the same time. You can start with waking them up and transition to an alarm clock when you and your child feel ready.
Walk through their routine with them
When you first begin their morning routine, start out by doing it together. Wake them up, eat breakfast together and brush teeth together. Help your child get dressed and make their bed. After a while, they will be able to do each step on their own.
Remain positive
Your children don’t have to grow up hating mornings. If you make it a positive and enjoyable experience, they won’t learn to hate them as quickly. As they grow up, they may learn to develop these feelings on their own, but your positivity can push this off as long as possible.
Have a good evening routine
One of the keys to a good morning is a good night before. Make sure your bedtime routine is as positive as your morning routine. Help your child clean up their toys and pick out clothes for the next day.
If they go to school, help make sure their backpack and supplies are ready before bed each night. If they wake up already knowing they have everything they need, it significantly reduces morning stress.
Go to sleep at the same time every night
The key to waking up at the same time is to go to sleep at the same time every night. If your child always expects bedtime at 8:00, they will be less likely to protest.
Bedtimes may change as they grow up, but always make sure their bedtime and wake up time allow for enough rest.
Stay consistent, then back off
Consistency is the key to help your child understand the routine, and then gradually back off until they do everything independently. You and your child can decide together when backing off becomes appropriate.
For example, they may eventually be able to use an alarm clock to wake up, or can brush their teeth every morning and night by themselves.
If you use these tips when your child is young, the transition to school and busier schedules will be easier to manage. They will also develop good hygiene skills such as bathing and brushing their teeth. Successful, independent morning routines help build a happier, healthier child.
Information credited to Ivory Dental Centre, a pediatric dentist in Langley.
Kara Masterson
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