Smoother Morning Transitions with Simple Routines
The school year is in full swing. New routines, new teachers, new friends, and new feelings are everywhere. With all the excitement of the new year also comes lots of unknowns and transitions. For kids who thrive on structure, the refresh of routines and predictability can feel comforting. But at the same time, anticipation and changes can bring challenges too.
In our house, we have three non-negotiables for smoother morning transitions.
1. Morning Routine Checklists
For younger kids: We utilize a checklist with pictures by incorporating the use of magna tiles! Each square magna tile has a picture that corresponds with the morning routine. (Eating Breakfast, putting our pajamas in the hamper, getting dressed, brushing our teeth and hair, shoes, and backpack) When a task is completed, a blank magnatile is placed on top of the picture magna tile. Having the kids participate and take ownership of their routine help builds independence and responsibility.
For older kids: visual sliding checklists can provide independence with morning routines. The use of a sliding checklist that has a check for a completed task, a blank or an x for an uncompleted task, can provide a quick visual cue in the rush of the morning.
Getting kids involved in a tangible, hands-on way helps them feel ownership and cooperation during the routine.
2. Limited Transitions
We simplify the number of steps needed in the morning. This can look like…
A Monday–Friday closet hanger to lay out outfits ahead of time.
Clothes brought downstairs in the morning and laid out.
A small basket on stairs for morning pajamas, to bring to the laundry room after the morning rush.
A bathroom bin ready to go, in the downstairs bathroom. A separate toothbrush, toothpaste and hair essentials. It limits trips upstairs and back and forth.
You don’t need a fancy mudroom or separate bathroom. A rolling cart or a simple bin works perfectly to keep everything accessible and minimize stress.
3. Heavy Work in the Morning
Adding heavy work to the morning routine can help kids regulate their bodies and sensory system. This might include:
Wall push-ups while brushing teeth.
Chair push-ups before breakfast.
Animal Walk dice to the bathroom.
Wheel barrow walks to the
Trompline jumps
Weighted blanket while eating breakfast
Crunchy (literally) breakfast items or drinking through a straw for oral input
Heavy work provides calming input and helps kids transition more smoothly into their school day.
Why These Strategies Work
Kids benefit from structure, predictability, and physical input to feel ready for the day. By combining visual supports, simplified transitions, and a little morning movement, you can reduce stress and set your child up for success.
✨ Tip: Try starting with one strategy and add on as your family gets comfortable. Small changes can make big differences in creating calmer, smoother mornings.
