What’s your morning Rhythm?
Children respond to rhythm, not unlike everything in nature really! Cycle and rhythms – of the day and night, sun and moon, seasons, months and years… as well as, the cycles and natural rhythms within our own bodies. It’s a very natural phenomena and when adhered to, is remarkably supportive.
So what is rhythm in daily life?
Rhythm could be described as a flow or natural order. It is not about perfection although could be closely related to routine and is very flexible in nature. It carries a certain quality that is supportive for all.
Let’s take a morning rhythm for example. If we sleep past the alarm, rush fervently into the day immediately after waking and then do the run around to get everyone else ready, all in that same quality that threw you out of bed, then we set ourselves and everyone else up for a day of potential unease. We’ve all experienced this! Everyone feels the pressure, there is certainly no space to check in to see how everyone is going and no opportunity for connection, something we all innately crave and need. We could say this is an example of not being in your natural rhythm.
This may or may not be you…the point being, the quality of our morning, whatever that is, sets us up for the day. And our kids, well, they feel it all. As parents and care-takers, we are leading the way. We set the tone and inadvertently show them how it’s done. So if we start the day in full blown anxiety, rush and feeling pressured, then we are communicating to our kids that this is the way to do life and they too will feel the anxiety, rush and pressure.
Morning rhythms are a very practical and simple way to support kids, especially if they have any obvious worries or concerns. A morning rhythm that flows and is spacious, is a very supportive way to start the day. It’s reliable and familiar even though there might be changes and last minute mishaps. When we are in rhythm, no matter what might happen, everything still seems to just work. There will be an ease even though it may be busy. Most importantly, there will be space to check in and see how everyone is going.
And of course, when we start to pay attention to the morning, we then realise that it actually starts the night before. And so the inescapable cycle is revealed. How was bedtime? Or dinner time? And after school activities? Were we caught up in the raciness and rush of it all, madly trying to keep up with this seemingly out of our hands day, week and possibly even year? Did all of this then impact sleep and how everyone wakes up the next day?
As parents, there is no doubting that the pressures and demands are great. Finding extra ways to support ourselves and our children is important for everyone’s well-being. Looking at your morning rhythm to support your child to settle into school for the day, may be something to consider :)
By Sara Harris
First Aid & Well-being