Mornings with little ones can be challenging. Whether you woke up on time or slept in, it’s easy for one little thing to throw off your timeline—spilled food, meltdowns, burnt breakfast, etc. While there’s no way to ensure a “perfect” morning, I think there are a few ways to start the day off on a positive note!
How Talking Through the Day Can Reduce Morning Stress
From the time my son was barely babbling, I would tell him each morning what the plan was for the day. It was just as much for my benefit as it became for his; it was a way to walk myself through the plan for the day and feel less overwhelmed by the time I walked out the door. I still do this with him now, as he’s almost four years old: we wake up in the morning, and I tell him exactly what the plan is for the day, he might ask a couple questions, and then we start readying ourselves for the day.
Teaching Toddlers Responsibility Through Simple Tasks
When he first started walking, I had certain tasks that he got to do that gave him a sense of accomplishment and taught him responsibility in small ways:
- Throwing his diapers away
- Shutting cabinet doors behind me while I prepared meals
- Putting toys in the toy baskets
- Placing his shoes in his shoe bin
Now that he’s older, I’m seeing the benefit of this! He instinctively walks in the door, removes his shoes, and puts them where they go. When he finishes a snack, he walks to the trash can to throw it away. He typically remembers to close doors and drawers as he goes. I do think, though, that picking up toys will always be a struggle that all moms experience. 😉
Small Habits, Big Wins: Encouraging Independence in Everyday Moments
Now we’re transitioning to more independence in his routines for the morning and night. While nights are still a little bit messy, mornings are becoming a breeze. I decided that instead of telling him what he needs to do, I would give him the chance to see what he needs to do and accomplish these tasks with minimal assistance, unless needed.
So I created a morning routine chart to remind him of each task and lay out a clear expectation for him. Some of these things like brushing teeth or eating breakfast obviously require mom’s assistance still, but there are several things that he is capable of at least attempting on his own!
Age-Appropriate Tasks to Include in Your Toddler’s Routine
Making his bed may just mean pulling the covers up to his pillow. Putting dishes away may mean placing them on the counter or simply bringing them to me from the table. Getting dressed may mean putting on the clothes that we picked out together the night before and laid in a place within his reach. There’s a way to modify every task to fit your family’s overall routine and household operation.
Make Mornings Easier with This Free Routine Chart
I created this chart to hang where my son can see it each morning, and I’ve linked it below if you’d like to download and use it as well! Click to get yours:
ANNIE BOYD SOWELL 