Does your morning routine also look like a warzone when it comes to taking your little ones out of their bed, changing them out of pajamas, and getting ready for the day?
Well, if this resonates with you, keep reading because we are going to share how to make it fun and interesting for the kids and parents to have an energetic morning routine.
One thing you should know is that toddlers operate in a different time zone.
Their internal clocks haven’t quite mastered the concept of “hurry up” yet and yes the transition from dreamland to daycare can feel overwhelming.
So, forget the perfect routines and embrace these playful strategies:
Have Fun with Clothes!
Turn every clothing item into characters who wish and demand to be worn.
For instance, socks and shoes might say, “We want to feel your soft feet, put us on!”
Or a t-shirt or shirt (try putting them on the opposite side facing front and make a funny voice and say “Hey, this side is the right side, not the other one!” (in a funny squeaky voice)
They will burst into laughter.
Create new challenges like dressing up with their eyes closed or hopping on one leg while getting dressed.
Or make it informative by letting them know all the 50 states of The United States. Make it a silly game so that they also gain some knowledge while dressing up. It can be alphabetically or rhythmically.
Dressing up Games
In the morning, give them funny options like wearing clothes inside out or putting their right leg in first, then right hand in a t-shirt go with the left part. The element of surprise can be useful in situations where they don’t wish to change into new clothes.
Let them race against the clock with a fun timer, turning getting ready into a game.
“How many seconds does it take for you to get ready today, let’s beat yesterday’s time” and just like that it would be fun for them to get ready and change into new clothes.
Put them in charge
Allow them to create a morning routine with several choices that you provide. Make a chart with pictures or stickers. Align the chart so that they can mark that the work or the routine is completed.
For instance, brushing their teeth, bathing, changing into new clothes, setting the breakfast table, or cleaning out their rooms with any decluttered toys.
Acknowledge their feelings.
On weekends, understand their laziness to leave the cozy comfort of their bed and offer them a quick snuggle or gentle back rub to help them get relaxed and get up.
Use made-up stories to create a connection like you’re sleepy submarines surfacing for breakfast, or astronauts preparing for a morning launch.
Remember, you're a team!
Approach mornings as a collaborative effort, not a power struggle. Work together to solve problems and find solutions that work for everyone.
Celebrate successes, no matter how small. A high five for getting dressed quickly or a sticker for using the potty independently goes a long way.
Consistency is key! The more you practice these playful approaches, the smoother your mornings will become. And remember, laughter is the best medicine, so have fun with it!
By using these playful strategies, you can change your mornings from a chaotic scramble into a time of connection, laughter, and shared victories.
So grab your inner playful parent, put on your game face, and get ready to conquer those morning meltdowns with a smile!
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