Special Needs Families: 10 Tips for Easier, Happier Mornings

This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog by Joan Celebi of Special Needs Parent Coach.

I’m often asked whether I follow my own advice — whether I use the Overwhelmed No More! systems and strategies in my own life. The answer is a big YES! Mornings are a good example. Several years ago, I’d had enough of our frequent chaotic, tension-filled mornings. I made a decision that we would start our days peacefully and happily.

Ryan likes to help make his mom coffee in the morning. His morning routine also includes using his EasyStand while eating cereal and watching cartoons.

It took a while to transform my family’s mornings, but with some surprisingly small changes, we made it happen. Now, our mornings are free from drama. When we start each day with a lighter heart and a more positive outlook, and we’re better able to handle whatever the day may bring.

Here are my Top 10 Tips for Easier, Happier Mornings – and best of all, they’re simple, quick, and they don’t cost a dime!

1. When you wake up, keep your worries at bay, for at least a few minutes. Spend the first few moments of your day with a smile. Breathe deeply, stretch, and think of something you’re looking forward to. Keep a note next to your alarm clock if you need a reminder.

2. Cushion yourself from the outside world for just a little while. Keep the TV and computer off until absolutely necessary.

3. Try to get up at least a few minutes before the kids. Believe me, I know this isn’t easy! But try it a few mornings and see what you think. Starting off your morning one step ahead of the kids makes your whole day go more smoothly.

4. You already know this one – but it’s easier said than done. Have as much done as possible the night before. Have breakfasts and lunches at least partly ready.

5. Also the night before, have clothes ready, and place them somewhere handy, especially if your child is choosy about what he or she wears. (Right now my son only has one kind of pants that he’ll wear – and only a few foods that he’ll eat from his lunchbox – so this one is a must for us!)

6. Make a rule that everyone has to be ready to go 10 minutes early. Yes – at first this one isn’t easy either. But you’ll be amazed at how quickly the family will adapt to this and make it part of the regular routine. The margin of error is priceless – allowing everyone to stay calm when someone has one of those last-minute “wait, I forgot my library book!” moments.

7. Get the family smiling. Leave little surprises for your children from time to time, such as notes on the bathroom mirror, a smiley-face sticker on their napkin at breakfast, a teddy-bear waiting to eat with them at the breakfast table … let your imagination go with this one!

8. Stay calm, even if your children get grumpy or anxious. They will pick up on your peaceful demeanor. This one requires a strong will some mornings, especially at first. But consistency is key. If you feel like you’re going to lose your temper, allow yourself a time-out for a minute. Take deep breaths, and re-compose yourself into the picture of serenity. Over time, your children’s behavior will mimic the calm you are modeling for them.

9. Just as you make sure your children eat a good, nutritious breakfast, make sure YOU get a good breakfast too. If you can, sit down together for even just 5 minutes of family time to enjoy each other’s company.

10. Pour on the hugs, kisses, backrubs, and compliments. Kids eat up all that happiness – it’s like food for their hearts!

What other tips do you have for successful mornings? What works or doesn’t work for your family?