Many parents still believe that children's intelligence comes from extra tutoring or piles of textbooks. In fact, the secret often lies in the simple things they do starting in the morning.
John Medina, in Brain Rules for Baby, states that small morning routines have a profound effect on a child's focus, creativity, and even their ability to regulate their emotions. So, how they start their day will determine the quality of their brain for life.
The problem is, children are mirrors of their parents. If mornings at home are filled with screaming, rushing, or gadgets acting as "emergency calmers," a child's brain will record that stress pattern. But if mornings start with a calm, healthy, and interactive atmosphere, their brains will learn to be better prepared to face the world.
The question is: what are some small habits that can make a child's morning more "brain-friendly"?
1. Make sure you get enough sleep
Sleep is the brain's natural "recharger." Arianna Huffington, in The Sleep Revolution, asserts that children who don't get enough sleep are more prone to tantrums, have difficulty concentrating, and have difficulty absorbing information.
Unfortunately, many children still habitually stay up late because their parents are preoccupied with their devices. As a result, their mornings feel heavy, even making them reluctant to start the day.
The solution? Create a consistent bedtime ritual. Turn off screens earlier and instead, read a story or pray together. As a result, children wake up refreshed, cheerful, and ready to learn.
2. Don't skip breakfast
Breakfast isn't just about filling the stomach, it's also the brain's primary fuel. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa writes in Mind, Brain, and Education Science that children who eat a healthy breakfast tend to have sharper memories and better academic performance.
Unfortunately, many families replace breakfast with instant foods or even skip it altogether. A slice of whole-wheat toast, fruit, or an egg is enough to provide balanced energy.
3. Invite them to read for a while
Jim Trelease in The Read-Aloud Handbook says that reading in the morning—even just ten minutes—is like a “warm-up” for the brain.
Storybooks, light-hearted articles, or even a single page of a fairy tale can spark a child's imagination and enrich their vocabulary. Furthermore, reading together in the morning also strengthens emotional bonds with parents.
4. Move, even for a moment
Light exercise has been shown to increase oxygen supply to the brain, according to John J. Ratey in Spark. Children who stretch, walk, or do some jumping jacks in the morning are more cheerful and focused in school. Remember, a healthy body = a brain ready to learn.
5. Chat about today's plans
A simple question like, "What do you want to do today?" can be a strategy exercise for children. Paul Tough, in How Children Succeed, points out that these small talk activities boost self-confidence and help children see their goals.
Besides making them feel involved, this habit also strengthens family bonding.
6. Stop using gadgets first
Nicholas Kardaras in Glow Kids warns that excessive screen exposure can disrupt the function of the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that regulates focus.
Giving your child a gadget to keep them occupied while they eat breakfast or wait for school to start may be practical, but the downside is that their brains become accustomed to seeking distractions. Replace them with chatting, reading, or other more practical, light activities.
7. Start with gratitude
Martin Seligman in The Optimistic Child found that gratitude can foster optimism and mental toughness.
Ask your child to name three things that made them happy that morning. It's simple, but the impact is significant: they learn to see the positive side, even when facing challenges.
It turns out that children's intelligence isn't built on big things, but rather on small, consistent habits every morning. Getting enough sleep, having a healthy breakfast, reading, moving, talking, staying away from gadgets, and practicing gratitude—all simple things, but with long-term impact.
