Morning Routines with Children: A Stress Free Start

Consistent Morning Routines Make a Difference

There’s nothing quite like hastily herding everyone out the door while running through the mental checklist of ‘to do’s’: “Has everyone eaten?” “Are shoes on feet?” “Have backpacks been packed and water bottles filled?”…the list goes on. Then to send children off to school and head to the next thing with remnants of the morning stress lingering, sometimes unfortunately, for the entire day.

Getting the day rolling can often feel like a time of chaos! However, establishing a simple morning routine can help streamline and reduce the stress of the morning race out the door. Not only that, but a routine can give children a sense of security, reduce stress, and promote positive behaviors—helping everyone to start the day well.

Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center is ready to be a part of your routine! Schedule a tour today and come see what mornings can look like with us!

The Benefit to Children’s Development

1. Enhances Emotional Stability
   Studies show that predictable routines reduce anxiety and behavioral issues in young children (Spagnola & Fiese, 2007). Children thrive with routines because it reduces uncertainty of what is expected of them and what is to come, helping them understand as well as feel secure in their environment.
2. Improves Cognitive Functioning
   Routines will help keep things flowing for not just children, but adults as well. Having a routine can help ensure that everyone is able to grab breakfast before heading out the door. HealthyChildren.org supports that prioritizing breakfast greatly benefits the brain function, memory and attention of children.
3. Encourages Independence and Responsibility
   Morning routines teach children responsibility by assigning them small tasks, such as making their beds, brushing their teeth, or picking out their clothes. These daily habits contribute to self-sufficiency and confidence, helping them to grow into the adults they will eventually be.
4. Reduces Morning Stress
   Mornings can feel like a race against time. Having a predictable sequence helps everyone   manage transitions smoothly, making daycare drop-offs or school departures less stressful. Ebbing the stress of mornings can help everyone start their say without a dose of frantic and insecurity—which is huge for preschool aged students who are still learning how to regulate their emotions.
5. Supports Positive Behavior
   The Child Mind Institute asserts that structured morning routines can reduce anxiety and boost mood and good behavior, as well as aid children in being prepared and ready to learn. When children start their day with a calm and predictable process, they are more likely to engage positively with teachers and peers in early childhood education settings.

We would love to partner with you and your families to help not just make your mornings a daily success, but t0 set your preschooler up for success in their learning and life, as well. Schedule a tour today and come check us out here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center!

Creating the Routine

1. Prep the Night Before
   Reduce morning pandemonium by selecting outfits, packing bags, and getting ready any breakfast or lunch items that can be prepped the evening before.
2. Set a Consistent Wake-Up Time
   Consistency is key. Waking children up at the same time every morning will help regulate their internal clocks and aid in making wake-up easier.
   Here at CCLC we open at 7:00 AM and ready to be a part of your schedule!
3. Follow a Visual Schedule
   Young children greatly benefit from a step-by-step visual schedule. Make your own with pictures or symbols showing the tasks in your families’ routine like brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and putting on shoes.Many classrooms have visual schedules for daytime tasks as well, in order to help children see and understand what is expected of them and their day. Schedule a tour today to see what that could look like for your family!
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
   Encourage excitement over completing your morning routine! Preschool-aged-children especially want to be recognized for their hard work and independence–a small reward or the praise of their parent or caregiver would go a long way.We truly value each individual here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center. If we can support your family by congratulating your little one on their morning routine accomplishments, let us know!

5. Make Mornings Enjoyable

   Play some favorite music, incorporate a short story time, or have a quick stretching session to start the day on a fun but positive note.
   Pro tip: There are all kinds of engaging stretching activities that you can do with your preschooler giving them time to connect with you as well as work out any morning jitters

   Our early childhood educators would love to be a part of making mornings exciting with fun activities and welcoming greetings for you and your family. Come see us here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center and check out our morning plans!

Final Thoughts

A structured morning routine isn’t just about getting out the door on time—in fact, that could be seem as the effect of having a structured routine, this will not only make the day-to-day significantly easier, but it will set a foundation for lifelong habits that support emotional well-being, cognitive development, and positive behavior. Whether your child is heading to childcare, daycare, or school, a consistent routine lays the groundwork for a good day.

By making small changes today, those good days turn into good months and years. Setting you and your child up for success in school and your relationship!

Schedule a tour and join us here at Crestwood Childcare and Learning Center! We would love to be part of your journey and help your child learn and grow!