This is a common complaint of parents. Me included. I asked myself this question a few years ago and the answers I found out when I researched it changed everything.
Here is what I found out and what has worked for me.
- The body and brain need time to recuperate from all that it has done, seen and heard throughout the day. If the body doesn’t have the correct amount of time to do this it will continue to be tired the next day. This makes it harder for the brain to deal with any stress. Look at how many hours your child is getting to sleep at night and increase it as needed. Start bedtime earlier or let them sleep in if they can.
2. The sensory system can be very sensitive in the morning. Understanding your child’s sensory needs can make a big difference in how they wake up. If you wake up your child in the wrong way, it can get them to go into a fight or flight mode similar to being alerted to a fire alarm. Here is a suggestion: if your child is sensitive to bright lights, try using a dim light to wake them up or do not turn on the light at all. If your child is sensitive to noises, start by opening the curtains and don’t say anything at all.
3. It is also difficult to process complex instructions in the morning. Creating a morning routine that allows your body to not have to make big decisions helps children who have difficulty with focus and attention to get the task done. Try laying out clothes the night before. Create a routine chart at the door for the tasks they need to complete before they leave their room.
- This last one was the hardest for me. I had to model the mood that I wanted to have in the house. My kids can sense what mood I am in and they will react based on my mood. This is known as co-regulation. If I am angry and rushed in the morning, they will often create fights and resist what needs to be done. If I start the day with a sense of calm and happiness, my children will often have a better day. I know it sounds strange but it really works. Think about any grumpy people in your life and how you feel after hanging out with them. Think now about the happy people in your life and how you feel when you hang out with them. It really does make a difference.
Give these four tips a try and share with me if they worked for you. If it did share this with other friends who you think this might help.
