As a licensed practitioner who works with kids, I’ve seen firsthand how a consistent morning routine can set the tone for a successful and enjoyable day, especially during the summer months. Whether your child is neurotypical or neurodivergent, implementing a summer morning routine can provide structure, promote healthy habits, and foster a sense of accomplishment. In this blog post, I’ll share some tips and ideas for creating a summer morning routine that works for your family.
Table of Contents
The Importance of a Summer Morning Routine
You might wonder, “Why is a summer morning routine so important?” Well, let me tell you. According to a study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and morning routine can improve overall sleep quality and daytime functioning in children (AASM, 2017). This is particularly crucial during the summer when the lack of school structure can disrupt regular routines.
Moreover, a well-designed summer morning routine can help your child:
- Develop a sense of responsibility and independence
- Practice self-care and healthy habits
- Engage in meaningful activities and hobbies
- Prepare for the day ahead with a positive mindset
Elements of a Successful Summer Morning Routine
Now that we’ve established the importance of a summer morning routine let’s dive into the key elements that make it successful:
1. Consistent Wake-Up Time
Encourage your child to wake up simultaneously each morning, even during the summer. This helps regulate their circadian rhythm and establishes a sense of predictability. Depending on your child’s age and individual needs, you may need to adjust the wake-up time accordingly.
2. Hydration and Nutrition
Start the day with a glass of water to help your child stay hydrated, especially in the summer heat. Follow up with a nutritious breakfast with protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables. A healthy breakfast provides the energy and nutrients needed for a day of play and learning.
| Healthy Breakfast Ideas |
|---|
| Scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast and sliced avocado |
| Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola |
| Whole-grain waffles with almond butter and sliced banana |
3. Physical Activity
Incorporate morning playtime or exercise into the routine. This can be as simple as a family walk around the neighborhood, a backyard obstacle course, or a trip to the local park. Physical activity helps wake the body and mind, promotes overall health, and sets a positive tone for the day.
Read more: Making a Great Summer Schedule for Kids
4. Goal-Setting and Intention-Setting
Encourage your child to set intentions or goals for the day. This can be as simple as deciding on a fun activity they want to do or a new skill they want to practice. Your child learns to prioritize and plan valuable life skills by setting intentions.
Implementing Your Summer Morning Routine
Now that you have a solid understanding of the critical elements, it’s time to implement your summer morning routine. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Involve your child in the planning process. Ask for their input on activities they want to include and give them age-appropriate choices.
- Create a visual schedule or checklist to help your child stay on track and develop a sense of accomplishment as they complete each task.
- Be flexible and allow for some spontaneity. Remember, it’s summer, and there’s room for fun and relaxation alongside structure.
- Model the behavior you want to see. Engage in the morning routine alongside your child, showing enthusiasm and positivity.
As you implement your summer morning routine, remember that finding what works best for your family may take trial and error. Be patient and make adjustments as needed. Celebrate the small victories and the routine’s positive impact on your child’s overall well-being.
Goally | Routines that Actually Work
Goally’s skill building tablet for kids has routines that break down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning. See it in action:
Creating a summer morning routine for your child invests in their health, happiness, and success. By incorporating consistent wake-up times, healthy habits, physical activity, and goal-setting, you’re setting the stage for a summer filled with growth and enjoyment. Remember, every child is unique, so tailor the routine to your child’s individual needs and interests. You can help your child thrive this summer and beyond with a little planning and much love.
Helpful Resources
FAQ’s About Summer Morning Routine
Why is a summer morning routine important for kids?
A summer morning routine provides structure, promotes healthy habits, and helps children develop a sense of responsibility and independence, setting the stage for a successful day.
What are the key elements of a successful summer morning routine?
The key elements of a successful summer morning routine include consistent wake-up times, hydration and nutrition, physical activity, and goal-setting or intention-setting.
How can I encourage my child to follow a summer morning routine?
Involve your child in the planning process, create a visual schedule or checklist, and model the behavior you want to see by engaging in the routine alongside your child.
What if my child resists the summer morning routine?
Be patient, make adjustments as needed, and celebrate the small victories; it may take some trial and error to find what works best for your family.
Can a summer morning routine benefit children with special needs or neurodivergence?
Yes, a summer morning routine can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs or neurodivergence, as it provides structure, predictability, and opportunities for skill-building and self-regulation.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
