Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Time Tidbits: Stress Less: A Morning Routine for Parents this Holiday Season



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The holidays are stressful when you don’t have kids… but once they come into the picture, this time of year becomes downright chaotic. Between presents and decorations and parties and taking time to care for yourself, even the most banal weekdays can feel rushed and hectic. If you want to cut down on holiday stress this year, implement a steadfast morning routine in your household to help get your family on track and keep your stress levels down.  

Productivity experts tout morning routines as a way to set the tone for the rest of your day. It builds momentum and provides a solid foundation. When your kids have a morning routine, it gives them a sense of normalcy that makes it easier to take on the cognitive load of school. Finally, having a good morning routine allows time for family bonding -- something we all could use in our households.  

Here are some steps to take to keep your schedule streamlined for an effective morning routine.

Preparing the Night Before

A smooth morning begins at night. Before you wind down and get into bed, take your free evening hours to do necessary preparations for your family’s morning routine. If you have younger kids, help them pick out their clothes, pack a lunch for the next day, and check their homework so they aren’t scrambling for you to do it in the AM. If your kids are older, ask them to do these preparations on their own. 

Another way to help prepare for the morning is to go ahead and get breakfast ready. There’s no need to stress yourself out making eggs and pancakes every morning. Easy breakfast recipes like overnight oats make nutritious meals that you can grab and go. If you want something a little warmer and heartier to get you through the cold winter days, try out a slow-cooker morning casserole that you can start the night before, and wake up to a hot, protein-packed breakfast. 

The Right Media for Mornings

Screens are the killers of morning routines. Whether your kids are glued to their smartphones, tablets, or computers, they’ll lose precious minutes checking social media or getting caught up in a favorite video game. Make the mornings a screen-free time to keep everyone on task during this crucial time of day. TV and video games should only be used as a reward to receive once the day’s work is done.

On the other hand, an eerily quiet house does your family no favors. Set the mood for the day with upbeat music that gets everyone moving. You can create a playlist of family-friendly jams that inspire and motivate. Put them on when it’s time to get out of bed. Creating a lively atmosphere will prevent morning lag and inspire creativity. Extra Tip: use the songs as measurements of time for other crucial tasks like brushing teeth. 

Self-Care: Taking Care of Yourself to Deal with Parenthood Stresses

If you’re feeling stressed about this time of year and the hectic nature, don’t forget to take time every day for a bit of self-care. The mornings can be the perfect time for this. If you can, wake up about an hour before the kids to spend time alone and reflect. Self-care can be anything from meditation to a workout to a hot bath that releases the stress in your shoulders.

While it may be tempting to forgo self-care because of stress, it’s important to take the time and do it. It helps promote a healthy body and mind so you can function your best for the good of your family. 


The holidays are a chaotic time for families whether the kids are young or almost out of the house. Putting a morning routine in place can help set the mood for the day and keep everyone on track. The secret to a successful morning routine is planning ahead. Pick out clothes, pack lunches, and even prepare breakfast the night before to save crucial minutes in the morning. Make the AM a screen-free zone. Phones, tablets, and computers provide unnecessary distractions for kids and adults alike. Finally, set the mood in the morning with an upbeat playlist that will motivate the family and inspire creativity throughout the day. 

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