Put the "good" back in "good morning"

POV: It’s 6:30am. You’re up, barely. Or maybe you’ve been up for hours already — or most of the night. For the next two hours, you referee arguments, make breakfast no one eats, clean up after humans and pets, and say “brush your teeth/find your shoes/no screens” approximately 327 times.

Your coffee is cold. You’ve cried twice. And somehow it’s only 8am.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and yes, mornings can get easier. Here’s how to put the “good” back in “good morning.”

1. Lower expectations, raise the vibes

Start by checking your own expectations, for yourself and your child. Are they too high? What really matters, and what can slide?

Getting dressed is a perfect example. Yes, socks, shoes, pants, and a shirt are non-negotiable. Are you gasping at the mismatched rain boots or last year’s shorts? Let them rock it. By letting go of the “perfect outfit,” you give your child autonomy, boost independence, and create a calmer, more cooperative morning vibe.

Focus on what your child needs, less on what you want. And remember: today’s outfit mishap is just a blip in a long line of amazing, well-dressed days to come.

2. Prep at night, win in the morning

A little evening effort goes a long way. Lay out clothes, charge electronics, pack backpacks, prep lunches, and shower/bathe the kids at night.

Here’s a checklist for smoother mornings:

• Two outfits ready for choice
  
  
  

• Electronics plugged in near the door
  
  
  

• Backpacks packed with homework, gym clothes, and snacks
  
  
  

• Lunch prepped and ready in the fridge
  
  
  

• Paperwork signed ahead of time

A little night prep = less morning chaos.

3. Flexible mindsets & back-up plans

Some things must happen. Others? Allow for a little wiggle room.

Example: breakfast.

• Rigid mindset: Eggs must be eaten at the table, hot, right now. Cue frustration, yelling, zero bites, and a hungry child leaving for school upset.

• Flexible mindset: Eggs suddenly “too spicy”? Peanut butter sandwich in 30 seconds. Breakfast is done. Everyone leaves full and on time.

Back-up plan: Keep quick snacks in the car — granola bar, banana, juice box — so no one goes hungry if things go off-script.

Pro tip: Build in extra minutes to wipe slobbery dog kisses, grab last-minute snuggles, or soothe grumpy moods.

4. Reminders, rewards, and positive reinforcement

Kids thrive with clear cues and encouragement. Here’s how:

• Set a timer: Helps older kids stay on task; younger kids can race the clock together.

• Play music: Make a morning playlist. Songs signal when tasks start and end.

• Routine charts: Visual or written checklists let kids mark progress. Celebrate completed tasks with high-fives, winks, or “You did it!”

Rewards systems can help — but focus on small wins, not perfection. Celebrate effort, ask your child how they feel about the morning, and share your pride in their progress.

Lastly, remind your child — and yourself — that a messy morning doesn’t make anyone “bad.” It’s all part of learning together. Morning madness is real, but with prep, flexibility, and teamwork, your family can reclaim the “good” in “good morning.”