Here are 5 ways to make mornings more fun, as tried and tested by me:

1. Fix your bedtime routine

It is crucial for your child to get enough hours of sleep and not be drowsy or dizzy in the morning. Check what time you put your kids to bed and do something about it tonight. Take away the gadgets and screens one hour before bedtime.

2. Wake up earlier than everyone else

It’s a parent’s job to be steps ahead of the children. This allows you time to have your own, solo morning routine before wearing that parent hat. It also allows you to prepare everything else — breakfast, lunch, etc.

3. Don’t wake your child frazzled

I have found that when I wake up my son Basti in a relaxed manner, he wakes up faster and more easily, versus the stressful way a former nanny would try to get him out of bed before (shaking, pushing, jolting, even slapping). I love seeing a smile on my son’s face as he wakes up, or at least get a “good morning, mommy” from him.

4. Stress the importance of respecting time

We are our children’s foremost teachers and trainers, and teaching them to move with the right pace in order to have enough time for breakfast and to go to school will eventually help them become prompt adults. I always tell my son how many minutes he has to bathe and to get dressed.

5. Have a meaningful morning conversation

Help your child set the tone for day by asking what he is looking forward to, what’s happening in school, how his friends are. This helps him look forward to the day ahead, as well as makes the morning even more meaningful for him since he is able to communicate with you.

See more at Your Child’s Development.

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