Your Kids’ Morning Routine Made Easy
| 2 min read
For many Michigan families, mornings can be hectic. Moving kids from their beds to the breakfast table, all while getting dressed and ready for the day can be a tedious process. However, there are many ways to smooth out your morning routine for an easier, healthier start to your day.
Plan Ahead
- Figure out a schedule the night before so everyone in the family knows what time they are expected to wake up, shower, brush teeth and be out the door. A decorative poster or bulletin board in the kitchen is perfect for the whole family to visualize their schedules throughout the day. You can also add a chart to track how well younger kids do every day, incentivizing their progress with prizes, including time with mom and/or dad, a trip to the zoo, new coloring book, etc.
Slip in Key Nutrients
- Keep your kids healthy all year long with nutrient-rich vitamins. Gummy vitamins add a touch of fun and have a sweet taste which makes them more enjoyable for kids.
Start Out Healthy
- Sitting down with your kids for a healthy breakfast can be challenging. Though it may not seem worth the struggle, specialists agree a healthy breakfast helps children perform better in school, have improved school attendance, behave better, have more energy and have better weight control.
- If you are trying to get out the door quickly, toast with peanut butter or oatmeal with fruit are perfect morning meals. Adding fat-free milk or yogurt is also a great way to sneak in some additional nutrients. Stick to products with low-fat, high-protein and high-fiber, plus heart-healthy fats. It’s important to find something your kids will enjoy, and that will keep them energized throughout the day.
Keep Moving
- If your child is wide awake first thing in the morning, add fun exercises to the routine to help fire up their brains for a full day of school. Beyond losing weight, new studies have linked exercise to learning. Walking or biking to school, or adding a few jumping jacks first-thing in the morning, can keep your kids engaged and healthy all day long. You can also look into your local health club for fitness programs specifically designed for kids, and for more ideas on how to keep them moving in the morning!
Photo credit: Janice Cullivan
