Morning Routines for School-Aged Children: Mindfulness Edition

Morning Routines for School-Aged Children: Mindfulness Edition

 

At Time Timer, we know your morning routine sets the stage for the day ahead. It’s why Time TImer was originally designed – to help parents support their kids in getting to school on time! We’ve shared stress-free steps to a smoother morning and our best tried-and-true methods on the blog before, but this month as we come to the end of another summer and return to school routines, we’re sharing how cultivating mindfulness can support your school-aged child’s overall well-being and healthy habits. 

Once you’ve established your child’s morning routine, introducing mindfulness can be a game-changer in helping kids manage stress and regulate their emotions, improve focus and concentration, build emotional resilience, and improves sleep quality. 

Here are five practical tips to integrate mindfulness into your school-aged child’s morning routine and see your child off to school calmer, happier, and focused.  

1. Wake Up Mindfully

Encourage your child to start the day with a moment of mindfulness. Invite them to take a few deep breaths, checking in with how they are feeling in the present moment, and support them in feeling grounded for the day ahead. 

2. Move Mindfully

Create space (just a few minutes can make a world of difference!) for your child to engage in movement that supports them. It might be a few yoga poses, or a quick free flowing dance session where they can fully be themselves and release any anxiety or tension they may be feeling.  

3. Act Mindfully

Transform daily tasks like brushing teeth and washing up into mindful rituals. Guide your child to pay attention to each sensation and action, fostering a sense of presence and self-care from the start, and helping them learn that any small action can be a moment to check in. 

4. Eat Mindfully

Encourage your child to notice the colors, textures, and flavors of their food. Taking time to enjoy meals increases gratitude and a sense of nourishment, and support better digestion (something that is often a challenge for neurodivergent children). 

5. Set Mindful Intentions

Before heading out, take a moment to set mindful intentions for the day together. Reflect on what your child hopes to achieve or how they want to feel, cultivating a sense of connection and clarity for the day's activities. 

 

By incorporating mindfulness into your child's morning routine, you provide your child with essential tools to thrive throughout the day. These simple practices promote self-awareness, emotional balance, and a positive mindset that can make a significant difference in their daily experiences. We hope these mindful tips help you and your child this school year! 

 

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