Easy Morning Routines for Children

By Donna Stark

Are your children dragging their feet again? Can you hear them bickering back and forth with each other while you are trying to get yourself ready as well? If their friends were at the door asking them to come out and play, they'd be ready in 30 seconds, but getting them out the door in time for school? Well, that's another type of beast, isn't it? Establishing an effective morning routine can be one of the hardest adjustments to make when summer turns to fall and the new school year begins, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Here are some tips that will help the start of your days run more smoothly.

Do Things at Night

A successful morning routine always starts the night before, so grab your kids and get busy. Have them get their showers out of the way, pick their outfits out for the next day, and double-check their backpacks to make sure they have everything they need. If they are old enough to help in the kitchen, ask them to help by packing their lunches too.

Go to Bed on Time

It's time to get back on a healthy sleep schedule! Make sure your children are getting the recommended hours of sleep each night by following the suggestions below.

• Enforce a consistent bedtime
• Power down (or remove) all electronic devices in their rooms
• Provide adequate time to wind down and relax each night

Stick to a Routine

Estimate how long it will take for your children to do basic tasks, such as showering, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and packing up, and then sit down to create an efficient routine for them to follow in the mornings. In addition to keeping them on track, doing so will also reduce a lot of the fighting over who is spending too much time in the bathroom.

Keep Breakfasts Simple

Sure, cereal and donuts are easy to serve, but do they provide the nutrition your children need? Just because mornings are rushed doesn't mean your children have to sacrifice good health. Whip up a batch of nutrient-dense smoothies for everyone or plan ahead and make some overnight oats. At the very least, keep some ready-to-eat fruit in the refrigerator just in case they have to grab and run!

The Perfect Mornings

A good morning routine will transform everyone's day and may even help ensure an amazing year at school! So, grab your kids and get everyone on board. Once you figure out what works best for your family, you can start looking forward to better days ahead!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pensacola, Fla.