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Morning Routines for Young Children 

By Toko Odorczuk 

The alarm sounds. Your little one wakes up joyfully and hops out of bed. She chooses clothes appropriate for the weather and dresses herself. She scampers downstairs in a timely fashion, sitting properly at the table while eating the beautifully prepared breakfast before she’s off to brush her teeth. Within moments she has her coat on and ready to head out the door: with five minutes to spare. Your alarm clock goes off, and you realize it was all a dream!

For most families, morning routines never go as smoothly as desired; often leaving everyone in a frenzy and not in the best mood to begin a fresh day. It can be a struggle to get your little one out of bed, dressed, fed, and set to go, all the while keeping the home a calm friendly environment. The entire morning routine is not set for a child’s pace; children thrive with order and routine, and tend to show outbursts during times of transition. The morning routines consist of several “transitions” in a row. When put into perspective, it’s no wonder mornings can seem overwhelming for small children who feel a lack of control and time.

Dr. Montessori noted that Children from 6 months until the age of 5 are in a Sensitive Period for Order. This sensitive period for order is strongest between 6 months and 2 years. This sensitive period involves aspects of sequence (beginning, middle, end). The young child thrives on order in routine. It is very important for the young child to dwell in an environment of consistent order; this allows the little one to find points of reference and feel secure in it.

Knowing this information, the adult, can help to keep the morning routine order consistent; which helps to preserve a stability in their most comfortable setting. Keeping a consistent rhythm to your day allows the child to feel secure, knowing they can adequately predict the next step.

In addition, creating physical order within your home will also help ease anxiety and tension your child may be experiencing. The very young child depends on external order to aid them in the development of mental order.

Of course you can not operate on a strict schedule at all times, but keeping basic activities (lunch, nap, dinner, bath, bedtime routine) consistent is helpful. If the majority of their day is structured and consistent, they will be more understanding and less stressed when the occasional “hiccup” occurs.

Tips for an easy morning:

~ Have your child help pick out clothes the night before

~ Create a “nook” where all bags, coats, and shoes are placed (no need to go on a scavenger hunt each morning)

~ Sing in the morning! They are more apt to listen, and you’ll feel more uplifted

~ Give plenty of warning when it’s time to leave for school. “After your brush your teeth it’s time to put on your coat and go to the car”

~ Keep language concise and simple. Try to speak in a soft calm voice.

~ Offer choices with plenty of time to choose and accomplish the task.

~ Offer words of understanding when they are visibly upset.

~ If it’s a daily struggle to have them dressed and fed each morning, feel free to send them to school in their PJs and breakfast in hand.

~ Keep in mind: Children live in the moment. It’s hard for them to understand they NEED to be anywhere except where they are right now.