If you’ve ever Googled how to survive mornings with a toddler, just know—same. The truth is, having a morning routine with toddlers isn’t about finding the perfect structure. It’s about finding what helps you breathe when the day starts before the sun, when there’s no such thing as “me time,” and when getting out the door feels like a full-day event before 9am. This post is a follow-up to my flexible morning routine for mums—that one laid the foundation for finding flow without forcing a schedule that didn’t work for me anymore. But here? I want to show you the three specific changes that actually helped my mornings feel less overwhelming. Because let’s be real—some mornings still feel messy. But these little tweaks helped shift the whole tone.
Change 1 | Prepping the night before saved me from next-morning meltdowns
My toddler wakes early. Like, early-early. There is no gentle easing into the day. No slow cup of tea while the world is quiet. It’s UP and GO. And when it’s a kindy day? That go-mode is non-negotiable. But here’s what used to happen: I’d scramble to pack the lunch, check the weather, throw everything into bags, while my toddler demanded to play… and then cue meltdown because I rushed him through everything. The biggest shift? I prep just one thing the night before—but it’s a good one. Lunch packed. Bags ready. Clothes chosen (weather checked). My space is tidy, so the morning feels like a soft landing instead of instant chaos. This simple step helped me create a flexible morning routine with my toddler that actually feels manageable, even on kindy days when time is tight.. It’s part of how I’ve learned to build a flow that supports me—not just my toddler.
Change 2 | I stopped trying to multitask through connection
I used to try squeezing in a quick cup of tea while he played, or starting the laundry while he tugged on my leg to join in. But it backfired. When I wasn’t fully present, the meltdowns escalated fast. Now, I do something that goes against every “productive person’s” morning list: I sit down and play for five minutes. Just five. But those five minutes of pure connection have saved me from ten minutes of tears. Whether it’s building a tower or reading a book, I let him lead—and it fills his cup just enough for me to guide the rest of the routine. He’s even starting to play independently for short bursts, which feels huge.
We’ve also started using a little visual routine chart. It’s simple: toilet, clothes, teeth. Because he can see what’s coming next, the transitions feel a lot smoother. As an early childhood educator, I know how important predictable routines are for young children’s emotional security. When toddlers understand the order of what’s next, they feel safer and more in control—which often means fewer meltdowns. Predictability doesn’t mean rigidity; it means security. This is also why I’ve learned to accept my energy instead of forcing what doesn’t fit—because fighting it was exhausting.
Change 3 | I gave up on “productive” self-care and chose presence instead
Before becoming a mum, I loved my morning workouts. Now? They just don’t fit. And that’s okay. I realised I was trying to hold on to a version of myself that no longer exists. So instead, I created a new kind of self-care: presence. One big insight from early childhood teaching is that children thrive when adults are emotionally available. Sometimes, ‘productivity’ means showing up fully—even if it’s just with your attention and calm presence. No phone. No multitasking. I sit down, sip tea (often lukewarm, let’s be honest), and choose my “word for the morning.” Some days it’s “steady.” Some days it’s “survive.” Having a word helps me hold the day with a little more intention. And because there’s no extra time in the morning, I weave that word into our playtime instead of carving out space that doesn’t exist. This small ritual reminds me that being mindful of your mess doesn’t mean cleaning it all—it means noticing what matters in the middle of it.
Kindy mornings vs. home days—two types of chaos, one common thread
Kindy days are fast-paced. Bags packed, Weet-Bix half-eaten, toddler negotiating which shoes are the right ones (spoiler: none). Home days are slower, but still full-on. There’s more time to breathe, yes—but also more energy to hold. He wants to play, be near me, show me every truck movement. And I’m trying to put on laundry, drink my tea while it’s warm, maybe—maybe—get dressed. But here’s what I’ve learned: no matter what day it is, the morning always goes better when I start with connection. Whether we’re heading out the door or staying in PJs, if I fill his cup first, the day unfolds with fewer battles. In teaching, we learn that transitions are crucial moments. Giving children time to shift gears with a calm, engaging activity helps their brains prepare for what’s next—something I’ve found true at home too. This gentle rhythm is why I reset after a chaotic week—it’s become one of my go-to rhythms. It’s not a full Sunday prep. It’s a simple, mama-friendly way to start fresh when the week’s been… a lot.
What this “morning routine with toddlers” looks like now (and why it works)
It’s not perfect. Sometimes there are still meltdowns. Sometimes we’re still late. But it’s better. It feels lighter. I’ve stopped trying to make mornings look like they used to and instead made them work for us. Because truthfully? A morning routine with toddlers won’t always feel smooth. But it can feel less heavy. Less rushed. And sometimes, that’s the win. Working with children has taught me that routines need built-in flexibility. Kids’ moods and needs shift daily, so soft structures that adapt help keep everyone more regulated—and that lesson applies to us grown-ups, too.
This post is part of my series on daily routines that actually work for busy mamas—you can read more about how I juggle kids and tasks, how to strengthen productivity with a simple checklist, or how to find balance on the days that feel too full.
If you’re in a season where your mornings feel like a blur of Weet-Bix crumbs, outfit negotiations, and emotional landmines—I see you. These changes might feel small, but they can shift everything.
You’ve got this. And I’m right there with you.
I stopped chasing the perfect morning and started creating one that works for us—even if it’s loud, messy, and fuelled by lukewarm tea.
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