Create the Perfect Morning Routine for Your Family
Aug 23, 2024Create the Perfect Morning Routine for Your Family
The elusive, ‘perfect morning routine’ is something many parents are searching for. Now, this will look different for each and every family, so whether you start at 5am or 10am, before your kids get up or after they wake you up, the point is to identify a morning routine that brings you joy and gets your day off to a great start.
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If I were writing my perfect morning routine on paper, it would probably include being up at 5am and having 3 hours to do Bible/journal time, workout, make breakfast, shower and get ready before anyone else wakes up. In reality, I'm super tired and comfy at 5am, and I don't have 'workout' energy first thing in the morning. For the record, that's still my goal, and I plan to get there someday.
For now, my perfect morning routine is getting up between 6 and 6:30. I start by making some coffee and breakfast, then sitting down for my Bible/journaling and quiet time with God. If I still have free time before my 'have to start getting ready for work' time, I do my leisurely reading then. I love to read, and it's not something I've had enough time for in recent years. I have so many books backed up that I need to get to (and am excited to get to), but I wasn't able to find the time until incorporating it into my morning routine.
So from the outside looking in, you might think 'why in the world does she wake up early just to read?' but this routine is what gets my day off to a great start. I feel accomplished, productive, fulfilled, and connected to God as I go into the rest of my day. It brings me joy. So when you determine your perfect routine, remember that's what you're aiming for.
Crafting Your Perfect Morning Routine
Creating a morning routine that works for you and your family involves a bit of trial and error. It’s about finding what activities energize you, what helps you feel grounded, and what prepares you for the day ahead. Here’s how to get started:
- Identify Your Goals and Priorities
Think about what you want to achieve with your morning routine. Is it to have quiet time with God, exercise, get a head start on work, or simply enjoy a peaceful start to your day? Write down your goals and prioritize them. Knowing what’s most important to you will help you shape a routine that feels fulfilling.
Consider your long-term goals as well as your immediate needs. Do you want to improve your physical health? Strengthen your spiritual life? Increase productivity? Your morning routine should align with these goals.
- Assess Your Current Mornings
Take a week to observe your current morning routine. What time do you wake up? What activities do you do first? How do you feel throughout the morning? This self-assessment will help you understand what’s currently working and what’s not.
Keep a morning journal for a week. Note the time you wake up, what you do in the first hour, how you feel, and any obstacles you encounter. This will give you a clearer picture of your starting point.
- Design Your Ideal Morning
Based on your goals and observations, design your ideal morning. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. If your ideal morning includes activities you don’t currently have time for, consider how you can gradually incorporate them.
A visual representation, such as written time blocking, can be helpful. For example, 6:00am - Wake up, 6:15am - Coffee and breakfast, 6:30am - Bible/journaling time, 7:00am - Reading, etc.
- Start Small and Build Gradually
Don’t try to overhaul your entire morning routine at once. Start with one or two changes and build from there. For example, if you want to incorporate exercise, start with a 10-minute walk and gradually increase the duration or intensity.
Use the principle of habit stacking from Atomic Habits by attaching a new habit to an existing one. For example, if you already have a habit of drinking coffee in the morning, try adding 5 minutes of journaling to it.
- Involve Your Family
If your morning routine involves other family members, include them in the planning process. Discuss the benefits of a structured morning routine and how it can make the day smoother for everyone. Make it a family project to design a morning routine that works for all.
A family meeting can be a great idea for brainstorming ideas and setting goals. Encourage each family member to share what they think would make mornings better. You can also create a family chart to track progress and celebrate successes.
- Be Flexible and Adjust
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes routines need to be adjusted. Be flexible and willing to tweak your routine as needed. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it.
You can set a monthly check-in to evaluate your morning routine. What’s working well? What needs to be adjusted? Flexibility ensures your routine remains practical and effective. Maybe you adjust your routine on weekends and/or with each changing season.
Practical Tips for a Successful Morning Routine
- Prepare the Night Before:
Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and organize bags the night before. This reduces the morning chaos and allows for a smoother start to the day.
- Wake Up at the Same Time Every Day:
Consistency in wake-up time helps regulate your body’s internal clock. It can make getting up easier and more natural.
Pro tip for consistent wake up times is to ensure you stick to a consistent bedtime as well. Good sleep hygiene is crucial for waking up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
- Limit Screen Time:
Avoid checking your phone or watching TV first thing in the morning. Instead, focus on activities that set a positive tone for the day.
- Hydrate and Nourish:
Start your day with a glass of water and a healthy breakfast. Hydration and proper nutrition can boost your energy levels and concentration.
- Incorporate Quiet Time:
Spend a few minutes in prayer, meditation, or journaling. This can help center your mind and spirit before the day begins.
- Move Your Body:
Incorporate some form of physical activity in your day, even if it’s simply stretching or taking a daily walk. Exercise can energize you and improve your mood. Find a workout routine that you enjoy and can realistically stick to. Even 10 minutes of movement can make a big difference.
Creating the perfect morning routine for your family is about finding what works best for you. It’s not about waking up at the crack of dawn or fitting in a workout, if that’s not your style. It’s about identifying activities that bring you joy, make you feel accomplished, and set a positive tone for the day.
Start small, involve your family, and be flexible. Your perfect morning routine should evolve with your needs and preferences. Remember, the goal is to create a morning that prepares you for the day ahead with a sense of peace and purpose.
If you’re looking for more detailed strategies and support, consider joining our 'Calm and Confident Club,' where you'll gain the clarity, awareness, tools, and consistency needed to transform your parenting approach from chaotic or reactive to calm, confident, and intentional.
Author
Katy Bordeaux is a Certified Parenting & Family Coach and the founder of both Covenant Collections and Kingdom Purpose Moms. Passionate about guiding families to thrive, Katy combines biblical wisdom with practical parenting strategies to help parents build strong, faith-filled homes. Connect with her for more resources and support on your parenting journey.
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