How I Structure Mornings with my Kids for a Smooth Start

A simple, flexible morning routine that helps kids start the day with independence, responsibility, and peace—while making mornings smoother for the whole family. Practical ideas & chore lists

Apr 08, 2025

A key piece to living deliberately is setting up the day for success.

Whatever your day holds, let’s reclaim the mornings with time to ourselves, a reset house, and a peaceful atmosphere.

I’m not a morning person, but I know how important it is to begin each day well.

My Morning Routine

Before my kids come downstairs, I (hopefully) have time to myself. I need that quiet space—to shower, get dressed, sip coffee in a dark kitchen, and read—before anyone needs something from me. When I meet my own needs first, I have so much more to give.

Years ago, I heard Julie Bogart say, "Let your kids begin their day on their own terms. Everyone deserves to make a choice in the morning, within reason, about what they want to do for an hour or so." That was pivotal. I realized I needed that space too!

So, we started using two alarms:

First alarm (7:30 AM): Kids can get out of bed and have free time.
Second alarm (8:30 AM): They clean up and start morning chores.

Morning Free Time for My Kids

This hour is theirs, here are some examples of choices we agreed on together when they were younger.

Read books
Practice piano
Draw or color
Play Legos
Do a typing lesson
Play brain-boosting computer games
Listen to an audiobook
Play with Hot Wheels

Because we have the freedom with homeschooling to choose our daily schedule this structure works well for us.

Morning Chores – Basics

When the second alarm goes off (at 8:30) they must clean up and do their morning chores. There are some basics that everyone must do and then other household tasks that are assigned by age and ability.

These are responsibilities that come with being a capable human. My kids learn to do each task on their own starting at age four:

Get dressed
Put pajamas in the laundry
Make bed / clean room
Brush teeth & hair
Drink water

Morning Chores – Household Tasks

Some chores could be done anytime, but we tackle them in the morning so the rest of the day flows smoothly. If we have to leave early, we skip them, and that’s okay too.

Change hand towels in bathroom & kitchen
Feed pets / scoop litter boxes
Take out trash & recycling
Get mail
Set out vitamins
Farm chores: feed & water animals, collect eggs
Quick wipe-down of bathroom sink
Unload dishwasher
Sweep kitchen floor
Fill water bottles for the day
Load laundry

Each child has an assigned list. By breakfast, the house looks better, and the animals are cared for. These simple routines bring peace to our home.

white and red ceramic mug on brown wooden table — Photo by montatip lilitsanong on Unsplash

Finding What Works for Your Family

I regularly reassess and tweak things for different seasons—like adjusting for summer schedules. There is no "perfect routine."

If your routine isn’t supporting your family’s well-being, it’s time to shift.

"The morning routine is not your master—it is your servant, and you get to decide what works for your season and stage." - Julie Bogart

Each of these categories form the structure of what we want in our family life. They are the pieces to the puzzle that we have chosen. I challenge you to find the pieces that matter to you.

Reflection Questions

What small changes could make your mornings feel calmer and more intentional?
How can you involve your kids in creating a routine that works for everyone?

I am always looking for more inspiration and ideas. In fact, I am about to go through all our lists and revamp some things for summer time. We have to be flexible and ready to adjust.

I am no longer trying to find "the perfect routine". That does not exist.

But I do find it helpful to have a list of what works for me right now, in this season.

Mornings can become a peaceful and purposeful start to your day. When you and your kids find a rhythm that works for your family, it can truly change the atmosphere at home.