Making mornings smoother for parents is possible with a simple change.
Every parent knows the common stressors that come with daily life: bedtime battles, chaotic dinner times, and the dreaded bath hours. Kids seem to possess an uncanny ability to sense when we need their cooperation and often choose that very moment to resist. One of the major culprits is the mad dash to get out the door in the morning. But there’s good news—there’s a straightforward solution.
Dr. Emily Carter, a psychologist with a Ph.D. from Yale and a mother herself, has a helpful tip to help mitigate those morning meltdowns that can derail your schedule. On her parenting website, Parenting Pathways, she often addresses concerns from parents looking for ways to simplify their routines. When a concerned reader asked for advice on easing morning chaos, Dr. Carter recommended a classic remedy: snuggles.
She offers a variety of strategies to streamline mornings, but the standout suggestion is the power of physical connection. “Taking a few moments to cuddle with your child can transform your morning,” she explains. “It fills their emotional tank before the day begins and helps them feel secure after the night’s separation. This connection fosters motivation to cooperate rather than resist.”
While finding a spare five minutes in the morning rush can be challenging, Dr. Carter emphasizes the importance of prepping the night before. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and remove as many hurdles as possible to make the morning flow better.
Dr. Carter’s philosophy centers on nurturing healthy relationships with kids before taking on the role of taskmaster. She believes that creating meaningful connections—both physical and emotional—can help younger children transition more smoothly throughout their day. “If getting your child out of bed is tough, consider ending your snuggle session by holding hands as you go downstairs together. Take that moment to share something you’re grateful for or something exciting about the day ahead.”
While some may find this touchy-feely approach a bit cliché, the advice has merit. Sure, making lunch isn’t the most thrilling task, but it’s far more manageable when you’re not scrambling for ingredients at the crack of dawn. And even if it feels unrealistic to pause for cuddles when you’re stressed about catching the bus, every parent would likely appreciate more cozy moments with their little ones. If adjusting your routine can lead to more snuggle time, why not give it a try? After all, those cuddles might just minimize any last-minute chaos, like when junior can’t locate his shoes.
I’m definitely going to give this a shot. And if it works, I might just have to talk to my partner about sneaking in some morning cuddles for myself before heading to work. If you’re looking for more tips on parenting, you can check out our other blog posts here for even more insights.
For those interested in starting their journey into parenthood, resources like this one can provide valuable tools, and the CDC is an excellent resource for all things related to pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Morning cuddles can significantly ease the hectic routine of getting kids ready for the day. Dr. Emily Carter suggests that a few moments of physical connection can foster cooperation and reduce morning resistance. By preparing the night before and incorporating snuggle time, parents can transform their mornings into a more pleasant experience.