# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Eleanor Amplified is an adventure series for the whole family. Listen together as our hero, the world-famous radio reporter Eleanor Amplified, foils devious plots and outwits crafty villains, all in pursuit of the big story... Like all the public media shows you love, Eleanor Amplified is entertaining and informative. Eleanor will spark laughter and conversation the whole family will enjoy, while preparing kids to appreciate journalism and make smart media choices in the future.

Eleanor Amplified is a production of WHYY in Philadelphia. It was created by John Sheehan, Manager of On-Demand Audio & Podcasts at WHYY, and formerly a producer of Fresh Air with Terry Gross. It is appropriate for kids of all ages and recommended for kids ages 8-12.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An adventure podcast for your little do-gooder!

# data[].attributes.body
Wacky tales of the World’s Most Brilliant Scientist, Dr. Floyd, as he races through history, hot on the heels of his arch nemesis, Dr. Steve.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
EPISODE #113 “Very Soon, One Will…” The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

June 5th, 2022

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 6:13 — 4.3MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

In This Episode…

In the Season Finale, warnings plague our hero’s time and space ship. They split up to investigate the dangers threatening the ship. All return except for Dr. Floyd who went to investigate the boiler room! What fate has befallen our hero?

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: comedy, educational, family, fun, history, learning, radio, science
Posted in Season 1 | No Comments »

EPISODE #112 “Kiss My Grits!” The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

May 29th, 2022

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:52 — 3.4MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

In This Episode…

By a weird twist of fate, Dr. Steve and Fidgert stop at the same Last Chance Time And Space Waffle House in the Time and Space Stream as Dr. Floyd and his crew. After being stuck with Dr. Floyd’s bill, Dr. Steve receives an ominous message from the Mystic Seer machine on the table that says of Dr. Floyd, Dr. Grant And C.H.I.P.S., “Very Soon, One Will Die…”

EPISODE # | 112
EPISODE TITLE: | Kiss My Grits!
ORIGINAL AIRDATE: | July 5, 2004
WRITTEN BY: | Grant Baciocco & Doug Price

RECORDED AT:

Hood Avenue Studios, Burbank, CA,
Daisy Price Studios, Celebration, FL

CAST:

REGULAR CAST:

Narrator – Himself

Dr. Floyd – Himself

Dr. Grant – Grant Baciocco

C.H.I.P.S. – Himself

Dr. Steve – Himself

Fidgert – Himself

ADDITIONAL VOICES

Mystic Seer Voice – Grant Baciocco

SPECIAL GUESTS

Waitress Enid- Suzie Chiasson

EPISODE SYNOPSIS: | By a weird twist of fate, Dr. Steve and Fidgert stop at the same Last Chance Time And Space Waffle House in the Time and Space Stream as Dr. Floyd and his crew. After being stuck with Dr. Floyd’s bill, Dr. Steve receives an ominous message from the Mystic Seer machine on the table that says of Dr. Floyd, Dr. Grant And C.H.I.P.S., “Very Soon, One Will Die!”

Tags: comedy, educational, family, fun, history, learning, radio, science
Posted in Season 1 | No Comments »

EPISODE #111 “Goodnight, Dr. Floyd!” The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

May 22nd, 2022

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:22 — 3.0MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Chasing Dr. Steve and Fidgert throughout the Time and Space Stream has worn out Dr. Floyd and Dr. Grant. It’s then that Dr. Floyd realizes there may be a task harder than chasing Dr. Steve!

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Season 1 | No Comments »

EPISODE #110 “Flying Nuts!” The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

May 15th, 2022

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:21 — 3.0MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

In This Episode…

The Wright Brothers prepare to make their historic flight as Dr. Steve prepares to steal a piece of their plane. Dr. Floyd and the gang arrive to see Dr. Steve in the act of stealing a piece of the plane that leads to one of the jokes ever written! Dr. Steve gets away again and our heroes race off after them!

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in 1903 - The Wright Brothers, Hot Waffles, Season 1 | No Comments »

EPISODE #109 “Wind Beneath My Wings!” The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd

May 8th, 2022

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:38 — 3.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

In This Episode…

Dr. Steve and Fidgert travel to Kitty Hawk, NC in 1903 with plans on stealing a part of the Wright Brother’s plane. Dr. Floyd and the gang race to try and stop them after some initial confusion on where exactly to go. Meanwhile Dr. Steve and Fidgert find out the real reason behind the invention of the airplane!

EPISODE # | 109
EPISODE TITLE: | Wind Beneath My Wings!
ORIGINAL AIRDATE: | June 14, 2004
WRITTEN BY: | Grant Baciocco & Doug Price

RECORDED AT:

Hood Avenue Studios, Burbank, CA,
Daisy Price Studios, Celebration, FL &
Waffle Brothers Studios, Cypress, CA

CAST:

REGULAR CAST:

Narrator – Himself

Dr. Floyd – Himself

Dr. Grant – Grant Baciocco

C.H.I.P.S. – Himself

Dr. Steve – Himself

Fidgert – Himself

ADDITIONAL VOICES

None

SPECIAL GUESTS

Wilbur Wright – Chris Waffle

Orville Wright – Tim Waffle

EPISODE SYNOPSIS: | Dr. Steve and Fidgert travel to Kitty Hawk, NC in 1903 with plans on stealing a part of the Wright Brother’s plane. Dr. Floyd and the gang race to try and stop them after some initial confusion on where exactly to go. Meanwhile Dr. Steve and Fidgert find out the real reason behind the invention of the airplane!

Posted in Season 1 | Comments Closed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By a weird twist of fate, Dr. Steve and Fidgert stop at the same Last Chance Time And Space Waffle House in the Time and Space Stream as Dr. Floyd and his crew.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Behind the News is a fun, accessible way for upper primary and secondary students to learn about what's happening in the world around them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Most Recent Episode

In an interview from 2002, Jane Goodall gave Ira a lesson in how to speak with chimps. Plus, highlights from the 33rd First Annual Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony, which celebrate the silly side of science. And, stories that share the research of a few Ig Nobel winners.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Science Friday is your trusted source for news and entertaining stories about science. It's brain fun for curious people

# data[].attributes.body
A new mystery adventure for the whole family

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Podcast

Eleven-year-old Holiday is pulled from the icy waters of Alaska with no memory of who she is or where she came from. Are her mom and dad really who they say they are? And when she begins to develop incredible abilities, she'll soon discover she's not alone in the world. From the award-winning creators of The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel and The Ghost of Jessica Majors, comes Six Minutes, a new mystery adventure for the whole family. Starting on March 1st, new six minute episodes, t...more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
children kids podcast ios apps education science discovery sharing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Eleven-year-old Holiday is pulled from the icy waters of Alaska with no memory of who she is or where she came from. Are her mom and dad really who they say they are? And when she begins to develop incredible abilities, she'll soon discover she's not alone in the world.

# data[].attributes.headline
Creative Challenges During School Closure

# data[].attributes.subject
Creative Challenges During School Closure

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Join us in creating a community of MAKERS, CREATIVES and LEARNERS as we explore, become inspired, or learn something new - all from the comfort of our homes!

#DontBeASpreader
Thank you for staying home in a global collective effort to STOP THE SPREAD of the coronavirus!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thank you for staying home in a global collective effort to STOP THE SPREAD of the coronavirus!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Have you ever tasted an Arab taco?

When was the Arab taco invented?

What is shawarma?

Find it out

How are currency exchange rates determined?

What was the gold standard?

Which type of currency exchange rate system does the U.S. use?

Find it out
Which of the following is usually NOT a factor in determining currency exchange rates?

Test your knowledge

How can I use Wonderopolis?

What are the parts of a Wonder?

How do writers make a Wonder?

Find it out
Based on information from the Wonder, what was Lou Castro known for when he was alive?

Test your knowledge

What is an okapi?

Where do okapis live?

What do okapis eat?

Find it out

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Where the Wonders of Learning Never Cease | Wonderopolis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Where the Wonders of Learning Never Cease

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are a proud
member of:

copyright 2006-2011
Fledging Birders Institute

Bringing the joy AND BENEFITS of birding to our youth - to promote their healthy development and bird conservation.

Fledging Birders Institute P.O. Box 1774 Bellmawr, NJ 08099
logo developed by aclogodesign@aol.com
Great Horned Owl and Red Knot images courtesy of www.scottelowitzphotography.com

(FBC) is a monthly bird watching contest open to students, . At the end of the also encourages adult birders to take youth under their wing Fledging Birders Challenge
scouts, and other youth groups across North America. Participants in the FBC will work together
to observe, identify, and record various bird species found on their school grounds, local
month, the groups submit their sightings and birding stories to qualify for a
neighborhood, or even a designated park
and actively engage them in birding activity. Take your children, grandchildren, students, scouts,
niece/nephew, and their friends on LOCAL bird outings. Help them find and observe birds in their
own communities. When you submit your monthly sightings list, please include the number of
youth and outings that were conducted. The most prolific birding mentor each month will also within their own community Fledging Birders Challenge

The main objective of our challenges is to get more young people
outside and exploring nature via bird watching. While this popular
hobby provides life long enjoyment for enthusiasts, it also holds many
profound benefits for everyone, especially children. These include:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bringing the joy and benefits of birding to others!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are a proud member of: copyright 2006-2011Fledging Birders Institute Bringing the joy AND BENEFITS of birding to our youth - to promote their healthy development and bird conservation. Fledging Birders Institute P.O. Box 1774 Bellmawr, NJ 08099logo developed by aclogodesign@aol.comGreat Horned Owl and Red Knot images courtesy of www.scottelowitzphotography.com (FBC) is a monthly bird watching contest open to students, .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Use our remote lessons, filled with videos of experiments, animations, and questions to create virtual lessons students can do at home!

Each Remote Learning Assignment is a Google Form that can be assigned to students to complete asynchronously, or be used during a synchronous virtual class. Each form may be used alone, or teachers may choose to cover specific chapters or sections that support their existing curriculum.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Elementary & Middle School Resources - American Chemical Society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use our remote lessons, filled with videos of experiments, animations, and questions to create virtual lessons students can do at home! Each Remote Learning Assignment is a Google Form that can be assigned to students to complete asynchronously, or be used during a synchronous virtual class.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Kid Should See This: Educational videos for curious kids of all ages, a free resource for parents & teachers. Science, art, nature, animals, & more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Solve fun, daily challenges in math, science, and engineering.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Science Experiments and Crafts - TheDadLab

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the world's first growth mindset podcast for kids (ages 4+). The first episode teaches kids how to believe in themselves and develop a growth mindset. The second episode is about learning from mistakes. Download free guides to each episode here...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
7 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Try New Things

THIS ARTICLE INCLUDES A FREE PRINTABLE

I'll admit it: Growing up, I was afraid to try new things.

I didn't want to do anything that I wasn't good at-what was the fun in that? And if I wasn't certain that I would excel at an activity or skill, I usually chose to avoid it.

Now that I have a mini-me running around, I sometimes see this trait repeating. "I can't do that, Mommy," she'll say. "I don't know how." Or, "That's not for little girls."

Fear is a common response to new challenges or experiences. These situations make children feel uncertain, vulnerable, powerless, and anxious. They strip away a child's sense of security and control.

Before you move on, be sure to sign up for our FREE weekly printables carefully crafted to teach your kids growth mindset, resilience, and much more. Sign up below to make sure you're on the list!

Once signed up, you will immediately receive our popular Parent's Guide to a Growth Mindset.

As a result, many children avoid the unfamiliar. They prefer NOT to risk attempting something new, leading to missed opportunities and setting a negative pattern that can persist into adult life.

I sometimes wonder how much I missed out on because of my worries and timidity, and I don't want my daughter to miss out on anything. So I'm making a conscious effort to build up her courage and enthusiasm for new challenges.

Here are seven strategies and activities we can use to raise children who aren't afraid to tackle new situations, skills, or obstacles with confidence.

1. Be Supportive of Effort, Progress, and the Process

Kids may fear trying new things for a number of reasons, including environment, upbringing, past experiences, and temperament.

Cora Collette Breuner, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital and the University of Washington, says this fear is also common among children who have received parental praise and support only when they've succeeded.

This is another reason to praise effort, progress, and the process rather than only praising successful outcomes (check out the Ultimate Guide to Praising Your Kids).

Low self-esteem can be another factor causing risk-aversion in children, and showing your children that they are loved and accepted-even when they don't necessarily succeed-is one way to ensure your child's self-esteem is thriving.

Praising the process is also important because it shows your child there's more than one way to do something. Ketzi Toney, a preschool teacher at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island, explains that she helps her students become greater risk-takers by showing them that there are many "right" ways to solve mazes, puzzles, or number problems, or even to complete an art project.

If you want your child to be fearless in the face of new challenges, show him that "success" isn't necessarily dependent on outcomes. Success can mean a willingness to try, put forth your best effort, and show gradual improvement.

When your child does take a risk, point out that you're proud of his bravery, and he'll be even more willing to try something new in the future.

2. Make an "I Can" Can

Next time your child is worried he won't be able to accomplish a task, remind him of all the things he cando using an "I Can" can.

You can also revisit the "I Can" can, asking your child, "Have you always been able to do this? How did you learn to do this? How did you get better at this skill?" This reinforces the point that none of his abilities have been acquired overnight, and it may give him the courage and motivation to try something new.

3. Keep an "Adventure Diary"

If your child can view new challenges as exciting rather than intimidating, he'll have the courage to pursue and reach his full potential in life.

Help him shift his perspective by keeping an adventure diary. In the diary, you'll detail all the adventures you've had as a result of trying new things.

Write about all the times your child was brave and attempted something new, and update the diary regularly. If possible, you can add pictures, drawings, or small mementos for decoration.

Also, include details about how well your child did or how much fun you and your child had when he tried this new activity.

The next time your child is afraid to try something new, break out the adventure diary and talk about all of the great times you had because your child was brave enough to try.

4. Ask the Right Questions

Paul Smith, bestselling author of Parenting with a Story, has a list of questions you can use to discuss the fear of new challenges with your child.

These questions include:

Name something you'd like to do now but have been scared to try. How can I help you with that?

How long do you think it takes people to get good at something new, like learning an instrument or playing a new sport?

Can you think of something some people are just naturally good at without having to learn and practice? (Your child probably won't be able to think of many answers to this question.)

You can also ask your child questions like, "Is there anything that used to be difficult or a little scary for you that's now much easier?" Remind your child that all the abilities he has now were new at one point. He wasn't born with them; he had to learn, practice, and persist.

To put your child's fears in perspective, you can also ask questions like:

What's the worst thing that could happen?

What evidence suggests that this might happen?

What is more likely to happen?

What would you tell a friend who felt this way?

When you talk to your child about trying new things, make it a discussion rather than a lecture. Listen to your child's worries, and help him talk through and confront these fears.

5. Incorporate Brain Breaks

While you should encourage your child to take risks, you should avoid pushing too hard. You want your child's experiences with trying something new to be positive so that he won't become even more risk-averse in the future.

Instead of pushing your child beyond his perceived limits, let him take short breaks so he can return to the challenging task reenergized.

Allowing short breaks to regroup will help your child feel calmer and more comfortable, making the experience a more positive one.

If it's an academic task or one that requires your child to sit for a long period of time, you can use " brain breaks." When students are presented with new material, brain breaks help them feel relaxed and focused.

These are short activities that disrupt the monotony of a child's current task. You can suggest a quick game of rock-paper-scissors, challenge your child to "reinvent" a random object for other uses, provide a story starter for your child to complete, etc. You can also do five different motions and have your child copy them in order, dance for a minute or two, or sing a fun movement song like, "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" or "The Hokey Pokey.".

Because these brain breaks are a bit silly, they'll brighten your child's mood, take his mind off of his fears, and help him face the task at hand with renewed energy. Plus, the fun memories you create will show your child that trying new things isn't so bad after all.

6. Conduct Dress Rehearsals

If your child is feeling anxious about a new social situation, have " dress rehearsals " at home to help him prepare, building his comfort level and confidence.

For example, have your family sit at the dinner table so your child can practice approaching and asking to sit with you.

If he's nervous about meeting his teacher for the first time, you can pretend to be the teacher and let your child practice how he will greet her.

Practice conversations, greetings, and other interactions that make your child feel nervous.

These dress rehearsals will familiarize your child with new situations, making them feel less unfamiliar and scary. You can even practice how to handle these situations if the "worst case scenario" were to occur. As your child begins to feel confident and prepared, his worries about new social situations will melt away.

7. Make a "Bravery Ladder"

In her book Growing Up Brave, Dr. Donna Pincus explains that taking baby steps toward a new challenge can reduce a child's fears and anxieties.

She suggests using a "bravery ladder." To create a bravery ladder, help your child identify steps that will help him gradually achieve a new skill or conquer a fear. Think of it like learning to ride a bike by starting with training wheels.

For instance, if your child is nervous about playing a piano piece at a recital, he can first perform at home in front of mom and dad. Next, he can play the piece for a friend. Later, he can perform for a larger audience, like at your next family gathering. Each step gradually brings your child closer to playing confidently at his recital.

If your child is afraid to get in a pool, first try playing in sprinklers and allowing the water to touch his face.

Over time, your child will confront his fears and gain confidence with each "rung" he advances on the bravery ladder. Praise your child's progress to help him build even more confidence and feel encouraged and motivated.
Recap
As his confidence surges, he'll eventually be able to face the new challenge or situation with far less fear and anxiety.

If we want our children to try their best and reach their fullest potential, we must help them overcome the fear of attempting something new.

We can start by using these seven strategies and activities:

1. Be supportive of effort, improvement, and the process, not just successful outcomes.

2. Keep an "adventure diary" to show your child all the fun you have when he's willing to face new challenges.

3. Ask questions to help your child confront his fears and understand that they're mostly ungrounded.

4. Allow your child to take breaks, including "brain breaks" for difficult academic tasks.

5. Remind your child of all of his abilities-and how he acquired them-using an "I Can" can.

6. Conduct dress rehearsals to reduce your child's nerves by familiarizing him with the unfamiliar.

7. Help your child take baby steps to master a new skill or confront a fear with a "bravery ladder."

These strategies and activities help children build confidence and collect positive experiences associated with trying new things. Over time, our children will no longer fear new challenges: They'll embrace them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Try New Things

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fear is a common response to new challenges or experiences. These situations make children feel uncertain, vulnerable, powerless, and anxious. They strip away a child's sense of security and control. As a result, many children avoid the unfamiliar. They prefer not to risk attempting something new, leading to missed opportunities and setting a negative pattern that can persist into adult life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
5 Steps to a Positive Morning Routine for Kids

THIS ARTICLE INCLUDES A FREE PRINTABLE

A good day starts with a good beginning, but once the school year begins, and mornings are often the norm.

Out of necessity, most of us are focused on meeting our child's needs in the morning; making sure they eat a good breakfast, finds that library book and even get their shoes on are no small tasks!

Before you move on, be sure to sign up for our FREE weekly printables carefully crafted to teach your kids growth mindset, resilience, and much more. Sign up below to make sure you're on the list!

Once signed up, you will immediately receive our popular Parent's Guide to a Growth Mindset.

But what if we can prepare our kids for the day mentally and emotionally too?

With a little planning, it is possible to create a drastically different kind of morning. One that encompasses your child's physical AND emotional needs and provides a happy, peaceful start.

Practicing these 5 effective strategies will help your family to not only have a better morning but also develop and strengthen a growth mindset.

1. Reconnect

According to Child Development and Behavior Specialist Betsy Brown Braun, night represents separation for children. Says Braun, "I look at morning as the oasis after the drought."

Small wonder kids want to play and interact with us as we try desperately (and with increasing frustration) to tick through our own agenda.

Spend 5 minutes snuggling

Hold hands while walking downstairs

Share a few deep breaths together

Choose a card from a yoga deck and do a pose or two

Write with your journal buddy in your Big Life Journal or do a page from the Gratitude Challenge in our Challenges Kit

Play a gratitude ball game (included in the Growth Mindset Activity Kit)

Listen to the Big Life Kids podcast together during breakfast or on the way to school and talk about favorite parts or what you learned.

Kids will be much more willing to listen and follow your morning directives if you've connected with them first. Time spent reestablishing your bond after a long night can make the morning run smoothly.

"Once we connect with a child, compliance follows."

Consider identifying your child's love language to deepen that connection. If your son appreciates physical touch, snuggling or hugging are ideal morning activities.

Other children respond to acts of service, so bringing them a drink of water or a bowl of cereal will make them feel loved and appreciated.

To make time for connection, Then, once the kids are awake, the focus can shift to being present and connected with them. You'll be getting up a bit earlier than your kids is key. Give yourself the chance to fully wake up, get caffeinated, or take a few breaths in silence. less stressed, which they will notice and may even mirror your calm behavior.

2. Create a Routine

When my babies were little, our pediatrician suggested creating a structured, healthy evening routine to help settle and prepare them for sleep. The same can be done for older children in the morning, to transition from rest to the busy day ahead.

One way to establish a routine is by making a "launchpad" in your home. Simply choose an area where kids get organized for the day--an entryway, foyer, or anywhere close to the door would work well. There, you can create a space housing the visuals and supplies that keep them on track.

Successful launch pads may include:

While these suggestions can make things run more smoothly, it is the morning routine checklist that provides kids with a higher level of independence and autonomy.

Instead of relying on YOUR verbal reminders of what needs to happen next, the checklist allows to take ownership of their responsibilities and assert some much-needed control.

: Once you've selected a morning routine, be sure to review each step in detail together before starting. Discuss and consider each item to see where issues might arise, or if the steps need to be put in a different order. For younger kids, use pictures instead of words.

3. Do Affirmations

To harness the power of positive thinking, use a morning as part of your affirmation family's schedule. Science has shown speaking positively about ourselves aloud can actually change our brains and even improve the way we see our future unfolding.

As a parent and proponent of daily affirmations, writer Amy Miller describes the "magic formula" for creating one. To be effective, an affirmation requires three key elements:

- Begin each phrase with strong, positive words. (Examples: " I am kind. " I am going to rock this day." " I create happiness for myself")

Visualization - Spend several moments picturing details of the emotion or situation you're affirming. This step connects your words to the positive feelings surrounding them.

Implementation - Believe in your statement. If the affirmation feels false, know the more you practice, the more real it becomes.

Affirmations provide the opportunity to strengthen a growth mindset, especially during challenging moments. Simply write or copy a few of your family's favorites and place them in a jar near the launch pad for easy access in the morning!

For affirmation ideas, use our 25 Growth Mindset Statements and Affirmations included in the Growth Mindset Printables Kit.

: If you're crunched for time, incorporate affirmations into other tasks, such as while brushing hair or driving to school. Or read your Family Manifesto instead. At night, discuss the opportunities you had to apply your affirmations or manifesto during the day.

4. Set the Stage

Consider your home as the staging area for a good day. Many elements can help create a positive tone, from the sounds of calming music to the smell of muffins baking in the oven (even if it's just a scented candle).

Engaging your child's five senses is a simple and impactful way to create positive associations with the morning routine. Some ideas include:

Touch: hug, snuggle or hold hands

make eye contact, read Sight: affirmations

Sound: play soft instrumental music

Smell: light candles or incense or spray essential oils

Taste: a mindful sip of water, eat healthy breakfast together

: Create a music playlist together, and use it as a timer. Kids can learn to recognize the change in songs as their reminder to move to the next task: "Once 'Try Everything' starts, you should be getting on your shoes."

Check out the Big Life Journal Spotify playlist for uplifting, encouraging, and positive songs!

5. Practice and Rehearse

As with learning any new behavior, practice when the pressure is off. Young kids can play out the morning routine on weekends using stuffed animals or finger puppets.

Older kids can share their perception of morning , as well as what parts are going well and what could be improved. Discuss when (and if) breakdowns occur in order to better plan for the days ahead.

Choose a relaxing time to encourage your child to make a morning goal, one that is meaningful to him or her. Ask, "What would you like to learn how to do in the morning?"

Possible suggestions:

Making her own breakfast

Writing or selecting the daily affirmations for the week

Getting himself dressed

Creating a positive playlist

Being the morning leader who gets everyone up and moving

As you practice the new routine, remember to and your family's efforts in overcoming their early morning hurdles. your children for their hard work at facing challenges and setbacks. And don't forget to praise yourself too!

RECAP

With a little effort, the hectic, frazzled mornings most of us experience can develop into a calm and positive start. Through strategies like reconnecting, establishing (and practicing) a morning routine, and reading daily affirmations, children become prepared both mentally and physically for the day ahead, Finally, recognize each morning provides a new opportunity to establish a positive, growth-centered trajectory for our (and their) whole day.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Steps to a Positive Morning Routine for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A good day starts with a good beginning, but once the school year begins, rushed and frantic mornings are often the norm. As a school counselor and mom of two young girls, I've often wondered how to improve our routine by making it an opportunity to connect with my kids rather than being at odds with them over getting up, moving and through the door.