OT Tuesday!
Establishing Morning Routines
AOTA reports that the morning routine is sometimes the most dreaded part of the day for families.
Having to get your children (and yourselves) up, dressed, fed, prepared for the day and out the door can be a stressful situation for everyone involved!
AOTA suggests the following tips for making mornings easier:
For helping children get up on time:
Identify a wake up time for children starting at around 1 year, and be consistent. Allowing children to get up at different times every day makes it difficult for them to know what to expect.After about 4 years of age, children who are early risers can be told that it is okay to get out of bed, but they must play quietly in their room until an established time or until you enter their room.For families with multiple children, staggering wake up times can help ensure an efficient morning routine by helping one child at a time, beginning with the youngest child first.Sleep patterns can be influenced by temperature, lighting, natural rhythms, and diet. An occupational therapy practitioner can help review the family routines and environment and make recommendations as needed.
-Promote positive mood and behavior:
Even if parents are not morning people, a positive morning attitude can help make children happier during the morning routine. Greetings of “good morning” and “have a wonderful day” help set the tone and prepare a child to socialize well in school.Affection is also an important way to start the day, so begin with some cuddle time or a hug. This can be a quick way to start the morning routine with care.Consider how your child’s sensory experiences may impact mood or behavior. During breakfast, is the kitchen crowded with people or objects? Are new foods being prepared, accompanied by new smells? Watch your child for signs of enjoyment or distress.-Establish organized and timely morning routines:
Plan ahead. Things like choosing clothes, determining breakfast, and putting homework in backpacks should be done the night before.Remove unnecessary clutter, and review calendars and weather projections to avoid the unexpected.Including children in decisions about clothing and food is important, and doing it the night before can avoid long discussions in the morning. Also, be sure to limit younger children to two choices (e.g., “you may wear the polka dot or striped outfit”) so the decision is quicker and easier.- See more at: http://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth/Morning-Routines.aspx#sthash.YVMu4IZB.dpuf
Check back next Tuesday for activity tips to help promote successful morning routines!