Calm Your Inner Toddler: 5 strategies to prevent a morning mental meltdown

Mornings can be rather hectic for me and my daughter Luna Taina. It usually ends up with one of us melting down, just as we start our day. As I proceeded to think about how to make the mornings more relaxing and happy for her, I discovered solutions that produced calm in me as well. As a working mom, I found that I had my own inner toddler who needed soothing. Following these 5 strategies will bring comfort, energy and order to your mornings.

• Prepare the night before. Do as much preparation as you can the night before so there is no scrambling in the morning. I found myself so stressed out trying to remember everything I needed to do like: prepare the diaper bag, grab lunch and snacks, bring toys, prepare my work items and finally choose what Luna and I were going to wear that day. You may think this sounds like a no-brainer but when you are tired at the end of the day, and you finally lay your child in the crib to sleep, the last thing you want to do is prepare for the next day.

o  To help, I started preparing as soon as I got home. I have a dry/erase board in my kitchen so when I get  home I go through the diaper bag to see what items/food/clothing need to be replenished and I write them on the board, along with any items I need. I use this list when preparing our bags while she is playing or eating.

o  Toddlers allow for some freedom because they are mobile (less carrying) and they like to help. Have your toddler help you place items in their diaper bag and choose her clothes for the next day. Lay out a complete outfit for you as well.

o  Place the diaper bag, toys for daycare/babysitter, your work items, and your keys ready by the door.

• Unwind with a nice warm bath. After your toddler falls asleep, it’s your turn to take a relaxing bath. Bring out your bubbles, bath beads, and light candles if you have them. You’ll be amazed at how doing this will quickly calm your mood.

• Cuddle. You cuddle with your toddler often but seldom with yourself. After they are asleep and you have had your bath, it’s your turn. Cuddle up with a good book, cup of decaf tea, music, or your favorite TV program. Add some self-care to your evenings; you deserve it.

• Get enough sleep. Make sure you get enough sleep. I find we both are cranky and emotionally sensitive when we have not had enough sleep. Your toddler should be getting 12-14 hours a day and you should be getting 6-8 hours. Make it a priority.

• Create a morning routine. Just like my toddler, I get upset when I don’t know what is coming next. I end up randomly reacting (mostly emotionally) to circumstances.

o  Plan out how your morning will run. Is it easier to have your child fed, dressed, and ready first and then you get ready or vice versa? Sometimes this means you waking up a few hours earlier so you can take your time getting ready and be finished just as they are waking up. Whatever routine you choose, be consistent. You should both know what is going to happen next. Finally, because you have prepared your items the night before, your routine should run smoothly.