Make your toddler's morning routine (mostly) a success with these tips
Entertain your little one with these exciting toddler activities
"Places, everyone! This is not a drill. Out that door and on the runway in t-5." You've got this, right?
Getting your toddler ready for preschool and out the door isn’t any less chaotic than the backstage mayhem of Fashion Week. Except, for this show, there is no team, just a single overwhelmed ‘I’ tackling everything.
EVERYTHING! From hair and face to clothes to intern to backstage manager, YOU handle everything.
So, how about you sip your coffee in peace and enjoy the calm before you wake up your little thunderstorm?
If that sounds like a good idea, we’ve rounded up a couple more from experts who have done the impossible: mastered the art of the morning routine for toddlers and achieved nirvana. (Not necessarily in that order, though.)
Introduction to toddler morning routines
You counted down nine long months to meet your baby. You woke up countless times night after night to feed, change, and soothe them. You watched them take their first step and your heart melted when they finally dropped that very first ‘mama’; or ‘dada’.
Now, you need a morning routine for your two-year-old because they need to be off at daycare or preschool, and saying goodbye (even for a few hours) feels like the worst idea in the world.
Then your toddler wakes up and doesn’t like the thought of it, either. And you find yourself struggling.
Whether your little one is getting ready to head to daycare or preschool, you may find yourself struggling to find a family routine and skip the chaotic mornings just trying to get out the door.
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Why you need a structured toddler morning routine
Here’s what a current morning agenda looks like:
Wake up and get everyone fed, prepped and dressed. As you run around checking tasks off your to-do list, ensure they are happy, before dropping them off at their destination. During this time you need to ensure you do not say or do anything that triggers them—and, oh, yes don’t forget their lunches.
A mission far greater than man landing on the moon? You bet! But it’s worth it,
Implementing a morning routine for your kids isn’t just about getting out the door on time; it’s a foundation for lifelong skills.
- Ease for you: Routines help kids cooperate by providing a sense of predictability that eases bedtime and wake-up processes.
- Routines boost self-esteem and confidence: Knowing what is expected and meeting those expectations helps children feel competent and secure. These aren’t just daily tasks; they’re stepping stones to healthy habits that children will carry into adulthood, like brushing their teeth and packing school bags independently.
- Emotional connection: Morning routines also offer precious bonding time, strengthening your relationship through simple acts like sharing breakfast or a morning walk. This emotional connection supports their social development and sense of belonging.
So, why wait? Start shaping a structured, nurturing, happy morning routine today.
Tips for getting your toddler ready for daycare
Did you know toddler morning routines with an early wake-up time were a thing? We didn’t either. Here are 6 tips to keep mission control calm and composed as your little astronauts prepare to leave.
1. Get prepared the night before
Before having kids, you only had yourself to think about, and you had the luxury of time. But now that you’re a parent, you need to step up your game and plan 3 steps ahead.
For example, you plan and cook a healthy meal, you plan how to feed your kid a healthy meal, and you also plan an unhealthy alternative to that healthy meal because your child may not like that healthy meal.
Similarly, when it comes to the morning hustle, you plan ahead. And in this case, getting prepped the night before is an absolute game-changer. It seems so simple – but every time you don’t do it, you realise how important it is.
That’s why experts with multiple kids recommend packing, sorting, arranging, and preparing everything you can the night before.
This includes:
- Packing backpacks – hat, sunscreen, water bottle, change of clothes, nappies/spare underwear, favourite toy or comforter, items for ‘show and tell’, etc
- Making lunches and snacks if your daycare/preschool doesn’t supply them
- Laying out outfits for the next day
- Unpacking the dishwasher, ready for the breakfast rush
- Packing the car
This way, you’re less likely to forget something important (like that favourite teddy) when rushing around doing a million other things in the morning.
2. Set your alarm (and another backup alarm)
You’ve likely not used an alarm since your very own adorable human alarm clock was born, but a mechanical one is a good idea when you have to get out the door for daycare.
Set yours for half an hour early so you can get up before the family, shower and get yourself all dressed and ready in peace before the chaos ensues.
Allow yourself at least an extra 10-15 minutes on what time you need to be out the door, and add another 10 minutes to allow for inevitable meltdowns/wanting to do things themselves/opt for independent play.
Tip: Make sure your little one gets plenty of sleep overnight, so your children are ideally in bed by 7–7:30 pm to be up around 7 am (or earlier if your routine requires it).
3. Morning hygiene
We know that with daycare comes the inevitable onslaught of germs and nasties – and while we can’t avoid these altogether, we can help to prevent them and stop them from spreading. It is best to keep baths and showers at night time if you can (it’s always good to wash off the germs at the end of the day – especially after daycare).
So coming up with a simple morning hygiene routine is a great idea – and as they grow they can start taking charge of things like brushing their teeth, putting on sunscreen, using the toilet and washing their hands themselves.
4. Spend time connecting and fill their cup
We know the mornings can be an absolute mad rush, but factoring in 5 or 10 minutes to sit and connect with your child before the day begins can set them (and you) up for tackling the day ahead. Your child is constantly seeking connection, so by taking time out to give them that, they’re less likely to seek it in other, less productive ways.
They are heading off to a whole day without their favourite person in the world (that’s a long time for a little person) so giving them a few moments of your time, even if it’s just over breakfast, will help them feel secure and safe and more confident to go out into the world.
Tip: If you don’t have time to play, try singing songs together while you get the kids ready or (if you can) walk them to daycare, hold hands and talk about the day ahead.
5. Set the tone and the kids wake up time
Remember, children feed off our energy – so set the positive tones right from the start. If you’re complaining and negative about going to work, chances are they’ll be the same about daycare. So try and flip the script, find the positives so they can, too, and talk about them.
Talk about your daily routine and tell them how excited you will be to see them at the end of the day and to hear about all the fun stuff they did—and what you’ll do together once you pick them up.
Make sure your morning routine and wake time allow your child a little time to play independently, do a few morning activities, or eat breakfast at their own pace. You’ll need to set the wake time accordingly.
6. Talk through the routine
Even the littlest ones love to know what’s going on. The night before or in the morning, talk your little one through the routine and what’s going to happen.
Tell them where they are going, who is going to be there (e.g., a favourite teacher or their best friend), and then whether mummy or daddy is going to pick them up. Always remind them that you will be back to get them at the end of the day. Kids thrive off the structure, and having some sense of stability helps them feel safe.
Sending your little love off into the world is never easy – and getting fiercely independent toddlers to do anything within a set time frame is nearly impossible.
But with a little planning and a few game-changing tips, you’ll know that you’ve done everything to make sure your little one (and you) are happy, healthy and thriving in life.
Promoting positive behaviour through routine
Routines are the secret sauce to a toddler morning routine that’s smooth and stress-free for both you and your child.
When younger children understand their daily routine, they gain self-control and a boost in self-confidence. Imagine a morning when your toddler knows what’s next, from wake-up time to when they eat breakfast. It’s like a well-oiled machine!
This predictable pattern helps reduce chaos and instils a sense of security.
Kids wake up knowing exactly what to expect each morning, giving them a sense of mastery over their entire day.
Teaching responsibility and self-care habits
Routines aren’t just about getting things done; they’re about learning valuable life skills, and this is the perfect age to start.
As your toddler wakes and follows their routine for toddlers, they’re not just ticking boxes—they’re developing responsibility and learning to take care of themselves. This is where they learn the art of self-care, turning activities like brushing teeth and brushing hair into non-negotiables in their daily routines.
It’s a fun way to teach them independent play and helps build their confidence to handle tasks on their own.
Whether setting up visual reminders or using routine cards, these tools help cement these essential habits that’ll carry them through to school mornings. And let’s be honest, seeing your toddler remember their nap time or potty time without a prompt is a little victory worth celebrating!
Fostering independence and confidence
By sticking to their routines, toddlers gradually take on more tasks independently – like choosing their stuffed animals for the day or deciding to sleep longer on weekend mornings. This fosters a sense of independence, making them feel capable and confident. Plus, let’s not forget the bonus for you: a smoother morning means less rushing and yelling, significantly helping to reduce stress for the entire family.
Transitioning to other daily activities
Consistency is your BFF here; sticking to the routine day in and day out helps your child seamlessly blend into the rhythm of the house.
As your toddler matures and gains more control over their activities, gradually transition some simpler tasks to them.
Let them choose what to wear or encourage them to help set the breakfast table. You handle the tricky parts, like ensuring everyone gets out the door on time and letting them manage their sock drawer—believe me, it’s a big deal for them!
Extending the principles of routine to other parts of the day
Think of routines as the spine that supports the rest of your child’s day.
Once you’ve mastered the morning, it’s time to stretch those principles into the afternoon and evening. Consistency across these transitions helps toddlers and preschoolers understand what to expect and when to expect it, whether it’s teeth brushing or bedtime.
Integrating fun elements like playing their favourite song during playtime or having a weekly ‘choose your own adventure’ day where they decide the activity can make following a schedule more enjoyable.
Building consistency across daily routines
Consistency—that’s the not-so-secret ingredient to successful routines.
Keeping a regular schedule helps prevent those all-too-familiar meltdowns and mix-ups in family routines that can derail your family’s day. Appreciate their efforts, whether they remember to wake up on time or get dressed without a reminder. Little victories deserve a high-five!
When your toddler navigates their routine like a pro, let them know it’s a big deal.
Positive reinforcement can turn what might feel like a chore into something they look forward to. And on days when the routine feels like a puzzle with missing pieces, take a moment to help them express what’s tough.
It’s about creating a fun dialogue that helps them—and you—understand and adjust as needed. Remember, every two or three-year-old in your house is counting on you to make the next day just a little bit smoother than the last!
Frequently asked questions
1. What time should a toddler’s morning routine start?
Ideally, a toddler’s morning routine should begin between 7:30 to 8 a.m.
However, it’s common for toddlers to wake up anytime between 6:30 and 8 a.m. If your child is an early riser, you might need to adjust your routine to start a bit earlier.
2. How long should a toddler’s morning routine be?
The time allocated to a morning routine can vary, but it’s generally best to keep it simple and manageable, typically lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. This allows enough time to complete all necessary activities without rushing.
(Although, some days, it just takes longer, and that’s okay. It’s part of the process, so don’t let it throw you off your game.)
3. How can I encourage my toddler to stick to the morning routine?
Putting the routine in writing can be very helpful. Create a visual schedule with simple images—or stickers and colours. For example, a clock with coloured time sections, such as red for breakfast and pink for changing, can help your child understand the concept of time and the task.
It also helps remind your toddler of what’s next and makes the new routine clear and easy to follow.
4. What if my toddler refuses to follow the morning routine?
Ensure clarity in your explanations.
If your toddler struggles to follow the routine, they might not understand what is expected. Clearly outline each task, its order, and the expected time. Walk through the routine together until they feel comfortable with it.
5. Should I include screen time in my toddler’s morning routine?
Ideally, yes.
For toddlers over two, it is recommended that they limit screen time to about one hour of high-quality programming per day. Consider including educational or interactive content you can watch together, making screen time more engaging and beneficial.
6. Can I customise the routine based on my toddler’s preferences and needs?
Absolutely!
As your toddler grows and their preferences evolve, adjust the routine to suit their changing needs better. This might mean tweaking quiet times, bedtime, or activities to keep the routine effective and enjoyable.
7. How can I make the morning routine more enjoyable for my toddler?
Incorporate elements of love and connection tailored to your child’s preferences.
For example, start the day with a cuddle if your child appreciates physical touch. If they respond well to acts of service, bringing them their favourite breakfast can make the morning special.
With some practice and a head start, you, too, can master the morning routine for toddlers and have your little ones walking out the door happy and excited about their day!
Sources
Selman, S.B., & Dilworth‐Bart, J.E. (2023). Routines and child development: A systematic review. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 1-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12549.
Larsen, K.L., & Jordan, S.S. (2020). Organized chaos: Daily routines link household chaos and child behavior problems. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29, 1094-1107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01645-9.
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