Create a Calm and Intentional Morning Routine

Five tips for building space into your morning.

A morning rhythm that honors the start of the school/work day is essential for a calm morning. Fostering a consistent routine allows the whole family to begin the day in an intentional way, whereas a morning filled with chaotic rushing doesn’t give kids -- or parents -- time to regulate before they arrive at school/work.

Prepare as much as possible the night before. Someone once said to me,"The day starts the night before." Make sure backpacks are packed, clothes are laid out, and anything your children need is ready. I’ve never been able to pack lunches the night before, but it’s important to know what the lunch plan is so everything is available when you need it. 

Create consistency. Develop a rhythm that allows you to be present. Plan as much as possible for the morning so you don’t have to make moment by moment decisions. Moving through the morning in a thoughtfully planned way fosters a sense of peace for you and your children.

Let something beautiful be the focal point for the morning. If breakfast has become a grab and go meal, consider setting the table (the night before), lighting a candle or putting out a few colorful leaves as a centerpiece. This simple act honors the beauty and connection you’re creating during your morning routine. 

Greet your child with gentleness. Always have the first interaction with your child be sweet and gentle. Instead of hollering up the stairs to wake them up, touch their head gently or sing a simple song to welcome them back from dreamland. 

Be mindful of devices. As a parent, you want to be setting the tone of being present, and often devices are a distraction to paying attention. Observe whether your family’s phones/iPads are fostering a caring energy or disrupting it, and consider having no devices or media present for younger children. 

Starting off the day in an intentional, calm way is good not just for children, but also for adults! For other back to school suggestions, check out this blog post on peaceful transitions.