If there was a part of the day that seems the hardest for most people, I think mornings will likely be the clear victor. You don’t necessarily need to not be a “morning person” to understand why mornings are the most difficult period of the day. Aren’t we always rushing during that short hour before we have to leave the house, whether for work or to drop the kids off at school?
K–I–D–S.
Just the thought of kids and mornings together is enough to stress most people everyone out. 🙂 We already know that we have places to go and things to do, but throw kids in the mix and you have yourself a challenge to get through the morning in a calm, orderly fashion.
It’s topics like this that I often find myself discussing with other moms. My most recent discussion was with my friend Michelle, health coach and business owner behind Real Moms, Real Health. You may recall my collaboration with Michelle here.
In discussing our morning routines, we noticed similarities in our approach in getting our kids more involved and taking responsibility for getting themselves ready in the morning. During our chat, I thought it would be great to list morning routines in an art canvas. You know how I love canvas projects!
Since Michelle is always sharing helpful tips on her Real Moms, Real Health newsletters such as How Busy Moms Start a Healthy Day, I thought it would be fun to create a canvas for her that lists out her family’s morning rituals.
Here’s how the canvas came out. I’m so honored that Michelle is displaying it in her home!
Below is an excerpt from Michelle’s post on her morning rituals for her kids.
7 Rituals for Smoother Mornings:
1. Come to the table with a SMILE and “Good Morning”.
Everything is energy. I really believe that whatever energy you put out there is coming right back at’cha. So why not start the day smiling and with a good helping of positive vibes?
2. Eat a HEALTHY breakfast.
When you start the day with a healthy breakfast you are ready for whatever else the day may bring you. Energy, focus, and more are yours when you eat a healthy, whole food meal to start your day.
3. Get dressed (wash & brush).
These are a couple of tasks that are usually staggered here in the morning. One kiddo is brushing their teeth, one may be getting dressed, another finishing up breakfast. As long as we keep it moving, everything can get done in a timely manner.
4. Make your bed.
Such a simple way for children to learn responsibility. My kids do sometimes get assigned a few other tasks in the morning, but this is a constant.
5. Say your mantra.
I have a mantra I am always working with and so do my kids. We usually work with one mantra all week long. “I am powerful,” “I make the world a better place,” “I can choose to be happy.” These are some examples of mantras we might have for the week.
6. Read, Learn or Create.
Once breakfast, getting dressed and simple chores are done, I aim for the kids to have time to quietly read, play a math game or draw, as a few examples of how we might use this time. There is no TV in the morning and tech devices are used for learning games only. This really keeps everyone feeling calm and positive before school.
7. Be your amazing self.
No explanation needed.
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Don’t you love Michelle’s list and the details behind them? You can read more in her full post here.
I know we all have similar routines that we expect from our kids (those of us with young kids). I just think that having a list written really helps reinforce the routines that help us create smoother mornings.
I’d like to thank Michelle from Real Moms, Real Health for sharing her 7 Morning Rituals with us! I’m also so happy that she’s offering Beauteeful Living’s readers a FREE mini-book titled, Be A Healthier Mom in 30 Days. You can grab a copy HERE. Trust me, Michelle is amazing and definitely knows her stuff!
Thanks for stopping by the blog. By the way, guess who’s doing a workshop at the Philly Home Show next Friday? Yep, it’s yours truly! Details here.
Xo, Tee
Mornings are not my favorite and my kids are usually bickering with each other, too! Maybe I do need to give them some tasks to do in the morning to keep the busy (making the bed, etc.) and turning off the TV and having them do something quiet like read or a craft. Great ideas!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
This is a great list of things to do in the morning. Eating a healthy breakfast is essential to having a great day. I always make sure to have a full breakfast and even drink lemon water. I also love the idea of saying a mantra. Positive words are always a good idea!
I am definitely NOT a morning person…it is so hard for me to drag myself out. In the warmer months, when I sleep with my windows open – I am the type of person that perks up when they smell the neighbor’s coffee brewing. I don’t have kids to incorporate into my morning routine, but I do know that having a healthy breakfast really does set thee day off in the right direction.
These are really good suggestions! Mornings can be brutal! Eating a good breakfast always helps me start off on the right foot.
These are great tips. I don’t have kids, but my mornings are never leisurely or comfortable, so I can only imagine how much worse it’d be if I were responsible for getting other people ready for the day! lol Right now it’s just get me ready, get the dog situated, and get out the door on time lol.
I love the look of your board. And I do love the list. Saying good morning is so important, yet many people are never taught how important that is. Even my husband does not get it, and when I spend time with his mother, I can see why.
Greeting each other politely is simply good manners and when we learn that at home, we share it with others outside the home as well.
We have recently overhauled our morning routine and it really has made a huge difference for the rest of our day. We could still use a little adjusting and some of these tips are sure to help give us the extra help we need to get it right. I love starting the day off right and enjoying it with my family.
I have to admit… our morning has been a little rougher this morning then normally. Scowly little things came down the stairs and already we have had one in tears. Thank goodness it’s the weekend!
Great stuff i I really like the idea of giving kids a chore to do in the morning I also do like the mantra
ahh… this is so touching. I like the idea of saying mantra and being your amazing self, I guess that would always work, at least for me. Now, my mornings will never be the same again. I am looking forward to waking up in the morning.
These are great rituals to perform. I love to greet the morning sun with a smile. No matter how bad our yesterdays are, there are always good things to smile about. Having a great morning will make your day better.
I have the best tip for a smooth morning. Wake up 2 hours before everyone else and leave for work! Sadly (not so sadly!) Dh deals with the morning routine while I get go to work early!
It’s definitely good to wake up before everyone else does in the household. Your husband must have a routine he follows in order to get out the door on time :).
This is such a great post! I love the board you created. I would love to do something like this in my home!
Thanks, Tiffany!