Ways to have Positive Morning Routine for Kids | De-stress routine for kids

How starting your day peacefully can lead to remarkable experiences.
10 Ways to Have a Peaceful Productive Morning for Children

I have lived for over 3 decades in a fast-life city, a city that never sleeps, a city where you can hear the construction sounds even throughout the nights, a city where the traffic sound is right under your ears. The yearning for a calm and quiet, chaos-free life is something i deeply crave for , a serene and peaceful existence, particularly in the mornings. My father’s career necessitated our stay in this hectic environment that catered to his professional needs. So, I made an effort to work out on mornings routines right from my very young days that suits my need and keeps me looking forward for the day filled with motivation and energy.

As time passed, I completed my studies, but sadly, I ended up finding a job in the same city where I was raised. Commuting daily through the bustling crowds and packed trains was draining the life out of me.. Eventually I got married and settled here in the same city. It felt as if Mumbai was reluctant to part ways with us. Time went by, and we were blessed with a baby girl. It was until my baby made me realize that she is going through the same life that I had been through. I wanted to do something different for my little girl this time, and that is when the COVID-19 pandemic hit India. We endured nearly two years of complete lockdown followed by a year of partial lockdown, adding to the already overwhelming stress.

• I consistently explored ways to maintain a lifestyle that balances productivity with relaxation. My thesis compelled me to conduct an in-depth analysis of stress-free environments and the principles of living without stress. Since the day my daughter was born, I made a promise to her: “Although I may not always be by your side, I will ensure that you never have to face life’s challenges alone.”
• I tackled one challenge at a time. The early days of marriage, a demanding 12-hour job, working from home during lockdown, and becoming a parent were incredibly difficult—more so than any other obstacles I’ve faced in my life. With no domestic assistance and the financial strain imposed by the lockdown, I lacked the extended support that could have eased my transition into motherhood.
• Despite facing numerous challenges, I successfully embraced my role as a new mother. I relied on my instincts and adapted to the demands of time. One practice that kept me optimistic was my morning routine, which I began during my pregnancy. I want to emphasize to every new mother, whether you are surrounded by a supportive community or just with your partner, that regardless of your circumstances during this new beginning, there are experiences you must immerse yourself in that no one else can provide. This makes a remarkable difference.

Wake up to sunrise.

I mean, you need to see the dawn, the sky that gradually lights up from a dark sky. There is some magic to it. I did that every single day throughout my pregnancy. I woke up at 5 am and just sat on my terrace garden. My balconies faced west, and so I never could actually see a sunrise, but of course I would see the transition of the sky color. That was my only option, and I was done with that. It gives a feeling of positive vibration. Universe gave me an oppurtunity to believe it firmly.

Plants and nature is my soul uplifter.

Watering my plants after having sat quietly on my couch watching the sky for some time is healing method for me. Watering the plants promotes a sense of nurturing and growth. The care and love you give to the plants, the way they grow, and the way they bloom unexpectedly all contributed to a positive vibration within me during my first trimester.

Milk in the morning.

Just milk with brown sugar and saffron strands occasionally. There was no demand for any health supplements during my first trimester, so I continued to have this. I never felt nauseous throughout my entire pregnancy. never had early morning pukes or any other symptoms. But yes other than this I had various pain that arises every month here and there in my body. When I needed a change, I would often make some watermelon, muskmelon, apple, or mango juice.

Taking out sometime to connect with God.

I experience a profound sense of spirituality. I strongly believe that if the sun rises and sets daily, and if gravity is a constant force, then God certainly exists. God communicates through the signs found in the universe and nature, reaching those who are open to perceiving it this way. At this point, my mental well-being was crucial. I would listen to mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ganesh everyday during pregnancy.

Going for a walk.

Early morning walks have always been a part of my life since childhood. I would walk to school, walk to college, walk to work, walk to groceries, and walk everywhere and anywhere I could. It continued in my pregnancy too. I would walk with my husband and, at times, alone. Walking before the city wakes up is the only way I can have a peaceful walk.

Watching TV and listening to music for morning motivation.

I would watch some feel-good movie today. Any videos that empower me. I would go for theater. I used to hang out with my big baby bump alot. Fearless and bold, I continued to admire and explore everything that inspired me during my pregnancy. I connect to music at a different frequency. I love morning music that boosts my dopamine levels.

Work.

I was a working woman at the time of my pregnancy.  My work started adding more stress to me, and it was something my doctors advised me to stay away from due to my risky pregnancy. Well, I started blogging at this time. sharing inputs and ideas for whoever may be in need. empowering people of different age groups. I took up freelancing, and life kept going.

Food

I always enjoy eating nutritious, tasty, mouthwatering, and well-balanced meals. I love all cuisines and flavors and am very curious about different cultures and its positive influences. Cooking your own meal and having it patiently without any chaos is another form of therapy.

Some of my uplifting vlogs that promote the art of homemaking:

THIS WAS ABOUT THE DAYS WHEN I CARRIED MY DAUGHTER AND
CHOOSE TO KEEP MORNINGS CALM AND PRODUCTIVE
RIGHT FROM THE MOMENT OF HER CONCEPTION

I continued to offer the same practice after my daughter’s arrival too.

 Ways Early Habit Formation Boosts Future 

1. Children with high sensitivity might experience increased anxiety, but establishing a tranquil morning routine can foster a sense of security and predictability, alleviating their feelings of stress and overwhelm.
2. Children with heightened sensitivity might react more strongly to loud sounds, bright lights, or uncomfortable fabrics. Creating a tranquil morning atmosphere can reduce these sensory overload situations, enabling them to concentrate and manage their physical responses.
3. Creating a consistent routine for children to handle their emotions can lead to a peaceful morning, enabling them to navigate daily challenges and transitions more effectively.
4. Children who feel safe and empowered are more prone to foster a healthy self-image and confidence.
5. Steer clear of aggressive language or ultimatums, and emphasize encouragement and assistance.

Distress vs Stress

1. Stress is the body’s inherent reaction to challenges or threats, whereas distress represents a detrimental type of stress that can result in various physical and mental health problems.
2. Make sure, with the help of experts, whether the child is in stress or distress. For very young children who are under 13, it is difficult to comment on this fact, as most of the problems are caused by environmental factors. So as long as they are happy doing progressive things, take it easy.

A TIMETABLE
Bright Beginnings: Crafting Joyful Mornings for Kids

1. Putting the kids to bed early
   Is one key solution for better next mornings. But our life was pretty busy and fast. My husband is employed in the corporate sector, while I am in the construction industry. So, for both of us, being into high-stress profession TIMING was completely opposite. There were days when I would put my daughter to sleep first and wind up with my office work. When both parents are employed without additional support, it places the child in a challenging situation. It is advisable for both the husband and wife to sit down and discuss how they wish to move forward.
2. Prioritize a complete sleep cycle for children.
   They wake up cranky and will continue to crank all day. It gradually becomes integrated into their personality. Better to train them early with sleep habits. Since I am a light sleeper, my daughter has also turned out to be a light sleeper like me. So, for people like us, dark rooms and a noise-free environment are essential; otherwise, we will become night owls.
3. There should be a consistent wake-up routine.
   Like, I would wake up my daughter with a warm tight hug and her face full of kisses. She loves it very much, and her face would brighten up immediately. Then I always play stories that have calm music and pastel-shaded characters, explaining moral stories and stories that talk about joy and bring positivity. Children should be afforded their own personal time in the morning, lasting a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of 30 minutes, during which they can engage in activities they are passionate about.
4. I generally kept a habit of waking up early before my child.
   I would wake up two hours before her, complete my morning routine like brushing, bathing, meditating, and praying, and have breakfast ready. So when I go to wake her up, I reserve some of my good energies. Once she wakes up she sits for some time, gets refreshed and has her milk with supplements in the morning.
5. Packing up.
   During the school days, I would have her bag and uniforms ready by night so mornings are rush-free. As we switched to homeschooling, I still followed the same habits. I keep the lunch and breakfast ready before she wakes up. My husband also helps me on days when I am unwell so the physical load on me can be balanced.
6. Holidays.
   Managing vacations and holidays can be quite challenging for children. Keeping my daughter engaged throughout the day while balancing my work at home and office is no simple feat. However, if the morning wake-up routine is well-structured, I can assure you that the rest of the day will run smoothly until the evening.
7. A timetable for weekdays and weekends.
   Helps my daughter acquire a wider understanding of how we can keep the week prepared with studies and our extracurriculars. We have our timetables of study fixed for each working day so we can keep on track of studies. You can go through my article on HOMESCHOOLING OUR DAUGHTER by clicking here.
8. We (myself & my daughter) prefer simple breakfasts.
   It keeps us from lethargy, and we stay focused on our schedule. Whereas my husband always wants a heavy breakfast since he travels to work. So at my home, the breakfast consists of one light and one heavy breakfast. Generally, heavy breakfast is suitable for those who don’t have early morning travel; they can prefer a light breakfast and try to understand what diet suits their body the best.  Also, the body type also plays an important role in this debate.
9. Exercise and sunlight.
   Due to our apartment life i am unable to keep a track on morning walks for my daughter. the only thing which i feel she is lacking currently. so i make sure there is an evening walk or playtime in our terrace under the evening sunlight. but apartment life is a bit tricky and to achieve this strategy is a real struggle everyday.
10. whether there is a school or no school
    for children this practice is really calming. until they reach their teenage it is beneficial for kids to have such a peaceful morning time. It prepares them for a holistic approach towards life. Various nations provide distinct schedules for school arrivals. Certain cities recognize children’s routines and accommodate these timings. In contrast, others merely add to the stress experienced by both kids and their parents.

Rest everything goes according to the schedule if we keep our mornings clear. just 2-3 hours good morning time for kids is really beneficial for them on a longer run although time can prove it better than words but there is always a sense of calmness and satisfaction within once you have had your morning time or say the sunrise time.

       
Sharing a glimpse of our little one’s childhood mornings

“Children deserve a joyful childhood,
and let it commence with their mornings”

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Few of the topic for new parents who are in search of homeschooling their children can find the article helpful:

Homeschooling article – part 1

Homeschooling article – part 2

Homeschooling article – part 3

Homeschooling article – part 4

Monisha C.