Let’s be honest, mornings with kids can feel like a whirlwind—you’re trying to get everyone fed, dressed, and out the door while they’re, well, doing literally anything but what you need them to do.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling frustrated because your little ones are ignoring you, taking forever, or just plain refusing to stay on task, you’re not alone. Here are some top tips to help you keep your mornings on track—without losing your cool.
1. Understand What They Can Actually Do
The first thing to consider is your child’s capability. What can they realistically do on their own, and what do they still need help with?
Sometimes we assume they’ve got a task down pat, like getting dressed, but in reality, they might still struggle with little things like pulling a T-shirt over their head or fastening their shoes.
Take a moment to think: What can they truly manage solo, and where might they need a hand? If they do need help, sit with them and guide them through the process rather than leaving them to figure it out on their own. This small step can make a world of difference.
2. Consider What They Were Doing Before
What was your child doing right before you asked them to switch tasks?
If they’re playing with Lego and you suddenly ask them to get dressed, it’s no wonder they’re resistant—imagine being in the middle of something you love and getting interrupted. It’s not a great feeling, right?
Instead, try giving them a heads-up. Say something like, “Five more minutes, then it’s time to get dressed.”
Show some interest in their activity too—ask about their Lego creation or let them tell you a bit about what they’re doing. Building this connection first makes the transition smoother.
Personally, I like to let my boys play in the morning before we dive into the boring ‘getting ready’ stuff. And yes, part of this is because they wake up ridiculously early, so we’ve got a good two hours before we need to leave for school.
This gives them time to play, and it gives me time to sip my coffee (a non-negotiable for staying calm during the morning madness).
But you might prefer the reverse—getting them ready first and then letting them play. Find what works best for your family.
3. Involve Them in the Process
Kids love feeling like they’ve got a say in what’s happening, so why not get them involved?
Let them help create a morning routine chart they can tick off as they go. Or turn it into a game—“Yesterday it took 10 minutes to get dressed. Can you beat that time today?”
It’s not about handing out rewards or prizes, but about making the experience fun and giving them some ownership.
Silly antics can help too. I’ve been known to do ‘silly mummy’ moments, like putting socks on my head—cue giggles, and suddenly everyone’s in a better mood.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it: my top tips for getting out of the house with (most of) your sanity intact. Remember to:
Think about what your child can realistically do on their own.
Give them some playtime before (or after) the morning routine.
Make it fun and involve them in the process.
Parenting isn’t perfect, and that’s okay. It’s about finding what works for your unique family. Let me know how these tips go for you—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
About Me
Hey there, I'm Nina, a mother of three energetic boys. I'm a certified Mindful Parenting Coach and Head and Heart Mindfulness Instructor.
I truly understand the challenges of parenting - just a couple of years back, I was a tired and frustrated mum struggling with the demands of motherhood.
My mindfulness journey began nearly three years ago when my youngest child was born. I transitioned from being stressed, overwhelmed, and prone to anger, to being composed, serene, and deeply connected with my children.
Becoming a mindful parenting has brought about remarkable transformations for me and my family, especially my boys!
If you're interested in learning more about making mornings easier for you, and your kids, click on the link below for information on how to Nail Your Morning Routine.
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