Morning Routine Checklist For Kids With Free Printable Charts

Does your household's morning routine feel like a mad dash to the clock's edge? Are you tired of rushing to get everyone out the door in time? You're not alone! Morning meltdowns and last-minute scrambling are common problems in households. If your baby is waking up too early, check out our tips here.

This comprehensive kids' morning checklist is your go-to tool for stress-free mornings. Check out our fantastic blog about morning routine for kids. Download the free PDF, print the morning routine chart that fits your child, and get ready to transform chaotic mornings into calm! 

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Morning routine checklist sample

You can customize the morning checklist template we've made for your child's age and requirements by downloading it. Everyday morning chores are included on this checklist, but you can add or delete items as needed. This customizable checklist helps ensure that your child is ready and out the door on time, making mornings smoother for everyone.

For more tips on establishing a peaceful bedtime, explore our guide on bedtime routine for school age.

1. Wake up on time (use an alarm clock if needed!)

Start your day on the right foot by rising at a consistent time.

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2. Positive affirmation practice 

Positive affirmation eases you into wakefulness and focuses the mind.  StoryBook can help you with that.

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3. Wash hands and face

Clean up and freshen up for the day ahead.

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4. Get dressed

Save time and avoid outfit stress by picking out clothes the night before for a smoother morning.

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5. Make your bed (a small win to start the day!)

Completing this small task sets a positive tone for accomplishing more significant things.

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6. Breakfast time (fuel for a great day!)

Power up for the morning with a nutritious and delicious breakfast.

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7. Brush your teeth

Maintain good oral hygiene and feel fresh throughout the day.

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8. Pack your backpack (check homework and supplies)

Be prepared for school by packing your bag and double-checking for assignments.

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Benefits of  morning checklist for kids 

The morning scramble is a universal experience for many families. But before you resign yourself to another day of rushed goodbyes and forgotten lunches, consider the power of a morning checklist for kids. Here are some benefits: 

• Promotes independence and ownership: Empowers kids to take charge of their routine, building confidence.

• Reduces stress and anxiety: Provides predictability and eliminates guesswork, leading to calmer mornings.

• A visual checklist introduces basic time management concepts. Kids learn to allocate time for each task, improving their ability to manage time effectively. For tips on managing early wake-ups, check out our guide on baby waking up too early. 

• Improves accountability and responsibility: Encourages kids to take ownership of their tasks.

• Creates a smooth and efficient routine: Minimizes last-minute chaos and streamlines the morning process.

• Fosters positive communication and collaboration: Creating the checklist together encourages teamwork.

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“Staying calm and being organised in the morning will help you and your child feel positive about the day ahead. It will also help you reduce stress, which is good for everyone’s wellbeing.”
💡Raising Children

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At what age can children start using a morning checklist?

The age at which a child can benefit from a morning checklist can vary depending on their developmental stage. Here's a breakdown to give you an idea:

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Toddlers (2-3 years old):

• While toddlers might be unable to read, they can still benefit from a visual checklist. Use pictures or simple icons to represent tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and packing a lunch. Keep it simple with just a few essential tasks to avoid overwhelming them. For tips on extending toddler naps, check out our guide on how to extend toddler naps.
• Keep it simple with just a few essential tasks.

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Preschoolers (4-5 years old):

• Preschoolers are developing their cognitive skills and may be able to recognize basic words.
• You can introduce a checklist with a combination of pictures and words.

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Kindergarteners (5-6 years old):

• Kindergarteners are typically able to understand and follow simple instructions.
• Introduce a checklist with clear and concise wording.
• Involve them in creating the checklist and personalizing it.
• Gradually increase the number of tasks as they become more confident.

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Here at StoryBook we have everything you need for:

• Bedtime routine for newborn (0-3 Months)
• Bedtime routine for babies (4 to 11 months)
• Bedtime routine for toddlers (1 to 2 years)
• Bedtime routine for kids (3 to 5 years)
• Bedtime routine for teens (6 to 12 years)

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What makes a successful morning routine?

It's great you downloaded our unique morning checklist template (the link will be available soon!). But how can you make sure it turns into more than simply a piece of paper gathering dust and instead becomes an effective tool for hassle-free mornings?

Here are some pointers to increase its efficacy:

Create it together

Turn checklist creation into a fun bonding activity!  This collaborative effort has several benefits:

• Ownership: When your child participates in creating the checklist, they feel a sense of ownership and are more invested in using it.
• Understanding: Going through the tasks together ensures your child understands what's expected of them.
• Personalization: Let them choose the design option (pictures or text) and personalize it with stickers or drawings (depending on the template).

Celebrate success

Positive reinforcement is essential!  Acknowledge and celebrate your child's achievements as they complete tasks on the checklist.  A simple "high five" or verbal praise can go a long way in motivating them to continue using the checklist.

Consider a simple reward system

Some kids might benefit from a little additional encouragement. Think about adding a straightforward system of rewards to the checklist. Here are some suggestions:

• Sticker chart: Embellish the checklist with a sticker chart. Every tick off the checklist results in a sticker, and after a specific amount of stickers are accumulated, a little prize (such as selecting a bedtime tale or movie night) can be obtained.

• Rewards: Depending on age and schedule, completing the checklist could result in a minor reward, such as picking an outfit or playing a little bit longer of game before bed.

Adjust as needed

The beauty of this downloadable morning checklist is its adaptability!  As your child grows and their routine evolves, the checklist should evolve.  

How long should a morning routine for kids ideally take?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ideal length of a morning routine for kids depends on several factors, including:

• Age: Younger children naturally require more time for tasks like dressing or brushing their teeth. As they mature, they become more efficient.
• Complexity of the routine: A simple routine with basic tasks like getting dressed and eating breakfast will take less time than one that includes making lunches, packing sports gear, or practicing a musical instrument.‍
• Your family's needs and preferences: Consider how much time you realistically have in the mornings and what's essential for your family to feel prepared for the day.

“Sometimes children drag out the time in the morning as a way to avoid school, it’s a good idea to check in with your child’s teacher to make sure there aren’t any problems that are causing school refusal.”
💡Raising Children