When the alarm goes off and your eyes open, it’s time to start a brand new day. Mornings aren’t for everyone, but whether you are a morning person or a night owl, a morning routine sets the tone for the rest of the day. Routines can get repetitive, but these 6 things are very important and a perfect way to make sure your day is on its way to a good start. Here are six things to include in your routine tomorrow!

Set Sleep Goals.  Everyone is happier when they’ve gotten enough good sleep. Because sleep affects a child’s development both mentally and physically, it is an essential part of their routine.

• Be sure to get enough sleep. (See the recommended number of hours for children, based on their age on our previous post here.)
• Create a bedtime routine, free of electronics or TV, and stick to it. Consistency in when they go to sleep will help regulate sleep, even on the weekends.
• Set the mood for sleep. Reading books or other calming activities together are a great way to relax children and add those extra private one-on-one opportunities with them.

Prepare the night before. Prepare what you can the night before to eliminate morning stresses.

• Organization will make your morning run smoother when everything you need is in it’s place and easy to find and grab in the morning.
• Pack lunches the night before.
• Have your child lay out their clothes and necessities the night before.

Plan a positive morning experience. Not everyone is a morning person, some need a little extra help. To help everyone get up in a good mood, do those little things that you know your kids like.

• Play music to make your mornings more fun and happy. (Bathroom dance party anyone?)
• If your child doesn’t like to get out of bed, tell them something going on that day that they can be excited about.
• Physically connect with your child. Snuggle in bed with them a few extra minutes when you wake them, give hugs or little touches.
• Create a happy environment to set the tone for a good day!

Have a morning routine. Routines can vary based on the child’s age.

• Make the bed. This simple action encourages tidiness and self discipline.
• Practice good hygiene. Use the bathroom, wash their hands, wash their face, brush their teeth and hair, and address personal care needs.
• Get dressed in the clean clothing they set out the night before.
• Feed the pet, if they have one.

Enjoy a high protein breakfast. Being hungry or dehydrated can prevent children from feeling and doing their best throughout the day.

• Serve high protein foods such as eggs, meat, peanut butter, and yogurt.
• Limit sugary foods.
• Offer fruits and vegetables such as bananas or apples with peanut or almond butter.

Make time for spirituality or “you” time. Whether you read scripture together or individually, say morning prayers, meditate, or send out daily affirmations, these actions will increase gratitude and positivity to begin your day.

Some extra tips include:

• Plan for delays. Things will come up, be forgotten, or remembered. Give yourself some extra time for these things.
• Roll with it. The more flexible you can be, the less stressful your morning will become.
• Stay calm. Show your kids that even though sometimes there bumps here and there, having a positive attitude makes all the difference.

For a printable Morning Routine, head over to The Zebra and download their morning and evening printables.