7 Tips to a Mindful Morning Routine:

1) Get Enough Sleep

How often do you and your kids go to bed too late and then waking up is so hard. We have a night owl kid, so that is a very challenging endeavor but when everyone has enough sleep, we are all much happier in the morning.

2) Prepare Ahead of Time

If you can do make ahead breakfasts, do it! If you can prepare lunches, definitely do it. Not everyone can or wants to do these things, but the more you can do the night before, the less you have to do in the morning.

A tip I LOVE: Have a specific place for each kids things. How often are you looking for EVERYTHING in the morning and you are frantically trying to get everyone out the door with all their stuff? Backpacks should be ready to go. Even clothes should be ready to go the night before if you have a child that takes a long time to pick out his/her clothes. Know what takes the most time and do that ahead of time.

3) Get Up Before Kids

I struggle with this, but when I do it, it is a slice of heaven. I drink my lemon water and start the coffee. My partner Jen & her husband who are living in a bus right now with their 3 girls get up earlier then them to meditate and journal. If you can get your own routine done earlier then the chaos of the kids, that will prepare you for what’s to come when the whole house is up and moving.

Sign up here for some great journal prompts from Jen.

4) Chart of Routines

If you have a child who can’t remember what to do in the morning, create a chart for them. Little ones can have a picture chart, older ones a list. This is a great reminder for those that need a visual. Get your FREE downloadable PDF here.

5) When…Then Approach

This was taken from Amy Mcready of Positive Parenting Solutions. “When you get dressed, then you can have breakfast.” I love this tool and I find that speaking in this way just really works!

6) Stay Calm, Connected & Mindful

Keeping my own calm, helps to keep all of us calm. When one person starts to yell, or get aggravated, it sets everyone else off. By staying calm & connected, it deescalates any situation. Take that breath, that pause and connect to what is actually happening. If everyone is yelling, crying, slamming & stomping, the morning is as stressful as it gets. If you can be mindful of why this is happening, and how you can change it for the future, then you can alleviate some of these triggers from the beginning. Maybe your child is worried about something going on in school and is now taking it out on your family. See if this is something you can address before the slamming & shouting begins. By staying mindful and connected with your kids and what may be going on for them, you can head some triggers off at the pass.

7) Using Simple Mindful Reminders

When all else fails, pull out the bubble timer or mindful glitter bottle, both can be used as timers for teeth brushing or getting dressed, etc. They are also very calming to watch and can help to de-escalate any situation. Say positive affirmations to yourself and your kids so you all start the day in the best way you can. Take a few big breaths together when you are in the car or walking. You can use our Mindful Yoga Breaks Card Deck for ideas.

Starting your day in the best mindful way for your family takes time. Some people need the extra sleep, others maybe able to get in their meditation and movement in the morning and so many other variations. So try on a few ideas and see what works for you. Please let us know if you have any questions.