Morning Greeting

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

I require lots of coffee, quiet, and 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.

Right now, my four kids range from 5 to 15 years old. They get themselves 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 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.

 So 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 my kids with statements like, “have you brushed your teeth?” “the dishes need to be put away” “What time do we need to be leaving?” “Make sure you feed the dogs”.

 There was no hug.  No smile. 

No “Good morning”.  

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

I was just marching forward to the next task.

Something I began adding in several years ago was a morning hug and greeting. This was introduced to me by Mystie Winkler (see this post).

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So, now 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. 

This has 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 if we are together or going our separate ways. 

We also take time to discuss what is ahead for the day. Like a miniature business meeting for the day. A quick rundown of the schedule and anything we plan to do.

Then we jump into Morning Chores and eating breakfast together. Some mornings it is rushed, messy, and full of grumpy kids. Others it is slow, relaxed, and full of fun conversation.

My kids know that they are loved well no matter what the day holds, how often we disagree, or how busy we are.

They know that I am glad to see them and happy to be their mom.

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 routine? 
• What would help you face what you have ahead for the next few hours?  
• Would you rather be greeted by a smile, a hug, and genuine encouragement? 
• Or a task list and remarks of how you have already failed?  

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.

Have a great morning! – April

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