Morning Greeting - The Morning Habit That Changed Everything for My Family

My story of deep conviction began with a simple realization: I had stopped showing my kids they were loved each morning. Just a few intentional minutes unlocked the secret to happier mornings.

Feb 04, 2025

I am typically not a morning person (unless I am sitting in a camping chair).

I require hot tea, quiet, and a slow adjustment to the day. But even when I am half-awake I can see all the things that need to be done.

ALL. THE. THINGS.

Unfortunately, the listing part of my brain does not turn off.

twin bell alarm clock — Photo by vitaly turchaninov on Unsplash

My four kids range from 10 to 19 years old. They get up in the mornings and do their morning routines (on their own upstairs).

This was not always true for me.

Mornings are a uniquely hard time for those who are still in the midst of life with little ones and their demanding 24-hour needs.
I hear you, I see you, what you are doing is hard, give yourself grace, do what you can, and love those little ones well! hugs!! 💙

These days, I have the beautiful luxury of doing my morning routine kid-free.

When my kids come downstairs for breakfast, I have already had time to myself to slowly get going on the day.

I used to greet them with statements like, “Have you brushed your teeth?” “The dishes need to be put away.” “Where are your shoes for PE?” “Make sure you feed the dogs.”

There was no hug. No smile.

No gentle “Good morning”.

No space for how they were feeling or for showing them love.

I was just marching forward to the next task.

In my defense, this was not a planned onslaught of demands and requests. It was just a result of my overly active mental task list and my desire to keep myself from drowning in all the things that needed to be done.

And then I read an article by Mystie Winkler about the power of a morning greeting. I felt a deep ache in my chest, realizing how far I’d drifted from the mom I wanted to be. At the same time, I felt a spark of hope, knowing I had the power to change with a routine that was so simple yet meaningful.

Somewhere along the way, in the midst of my overwhelm and exhaustion, I had stopped smiling at my kids. I no longer greeted them with a kind “good morning” and a hug… I couldn’t even remember when I had stopped doing that (which broke my heart).

It felt uncomfortable yet illuminating, a mix of humility and resolve that called me to step into a better version of myself.

“Most of our responses are actually governed by habit more than our emotional state or conscious decision.

That should be encouraging, because it means we can use habit hacks to change the very atmosphere of our homes and the tone of our relationships.

Something as small as building the habit of looking into people’s eyes when they’re talking, smiling as you look up, or greeting someone who comes into the room are acts that build relationships and teach everyone around us how others should be treated.” - Mystie Winkler (see this post)

So I began a new habit of a morning hug and greeting.

It’s simple but profound.

When they come downstairs, I stop and greet them with a hug, a smile, and a happy comment. I take a minute to acknowledge each child and love them well.

Because I have stopped and greeted them with kindness, they know that I am glad to see them and happy to be their mom.

This radically changed our mornings.

It slows me down so I remember what is most important, I am centered on my kids and not the tasks to be done, it starts the day with love and kindness. And it boosts the oxytocin levels in our brains!

It takes me just a few minutes but it sets the tone for the whole day no matter if we are together or going our separate ways.

girl eating cereal in white ceramic bowl on table — Photo by Providence Doucet on Unsplash

Let’s do this for our kids!

We have the power to change the atmosphere in our mornings and our homes.

Sometimes the small simple things are what is most powerful.

What about you?

How do you want to be greeted each day?
What do you want to be said to you as you begin your daily routine?
Would you rather be greeted by a smile, a hug, and genuine encouragement?
- Or a task list and remarks on how you have already failed?

If mornings feel overwhelming right now, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there—in the thick of endless tasks, trying to hold everything together, and feeling like there’s no room to breathe. But starting small, with something as simple as a morning hug and a kind “good morning,” can create a ripple effect of love and connection in your home.

You don’t have to overhaul your mornings overnight or get everything perfect. Just take a moment, pause, and connect with those little faces who think the world of you.

This small habit doesn’t add to your to-do list—it lightens the weight of it and reminds you of what truly matters.

Be kind to yourself, and take it one morning at a time. You’re doing amazing work, mama.