It starts innocently: ten minutes of iPad while you make breakfast. But soon those ten minutes become thirty, and mornings become a battle. Sound familiar?
Why Mornings Matter
How kids start their day affects everything that follows. Research shows that screen time first thing in the morning can:
- Increase difficulty transitioning to other activities
- Reduce focus at school
- Create more conflict around screen limits later
The Chore Solution
Families who've successfully eliminated morning screens share a common strategy: replacing screen time with productive habits that give kids a sense of accomplishment.
A Sample Morning Routine
- Get dressed (clothes laid out the night before)
- Make bed (1-2 minutes)
- Breakfast
- Brush teeth, get ready
- One quick chore (feed pet, put dishes away)
Making It Work
Start small: Don't overhaul everything at once. Add one element at a time.
Be consistent: The first two weeks are hardest. Expect resistance.
Connect to rewards: Morning chores can count toward allowance, giving kids immediate incentive.
Track Morning Routines with ChoreBucks
Let kids check off morning tasks and see their progress. Makes the habit stick.
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