5 Simple Ways to Help Your Kid Establish a Morning Routine

1. Set an Alarm

Setting a consistent bedtime each night is a precursor for success in the morning. To help kids establish a regular wake-up time, an alarm clock that they can use and set themselves is a thing of beauty. (Here are 18). If a blaring noise or music will just make your kid grumpy, consider a gradual-light alarm that slowly increases the light in the room for a more natural “waking up in the sunshine” feel. 

2. Make a Chart 

It can be as simple as a list on a piece of paper taped to their door or a magnetic routine chart in a place they'll pass every morning, but having a visual cue will help bleary-eyed kids remember what is next. Don’t underestimate how simple and straightforward it can be. Example: 

• Brush Teeth
• Wash Hands
• Wash Face
• Put in Contact Lenses
• Eat Breakfast
• Grab Lunch
• Find Boots 

3. Make it Simple for Them to Stay Healthy & Hygienic

Good hygiene is important to every parent. Keep contact lenses and solution, washcloths, toothpaste refill, hair grooming supplies, hand soap refills, etc. on a shelf where kids can easily reach what they need. 

Some products are inherently easier to keep clean and sanitary. For example, if your age-appropriate child wears contact lenses, single-use lenses like MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses mean your little one won’t need to clean lenses each night. You may be surprised to hear that 42% of children aged 5 to 19 have myopia¹, also known as nearsightedness. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses not only correct vision immediately², but are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.³†

4. Get Things Ready the Night Before

Ever noticed how morning seems to go by really fast, especially when you’re trying to get to school (and work) on time? Don’t leave everything to those precious early minutes. Have your child help as you get things as grab-and-go as possible. Here are a few things you can do: 

• Pick out clothes the night before, including finding shoes. 
• Make lunches. 
• Pack homework into bags and backpacks and then leave near the door or another easy-to-see place.
• Prep breakfast (overnight oats anyone?) or have healthy grab-and-go options if possible. 

Try doing this as part of your bedtime routine. Have the kids put on their pajamas and run around getting things ready or prompt them 15 minutes before bedtime. 

5. Get Yourself Ready First

You may have heard this one before but we’re going to say it again. Get up 20 to 30 minutes before your kids need to wake, and take that time to get yourself ready. Whether that’s stretching, having coffee, spacing out, showering or just getting dressed, if you have a jumpstart on your own morning routine, you won’t be as stressed about theirs. And get your stuff ready the night before, too, if you can.