Article & Photo by Brittany Schimke

Every parent knows the morning rush: the scramble to get everyone dressed, fed, and out the door on time. During this hustle and bustle, it's tempting to turn on the TV, hand over a tablet, or let your child play with your phone to keep them happy and safe while you try and enjoy three sips of HOT coffee and make breakfast. But what if there was a way to keep mornings calm, screen-free, and still manageable for parents? Morning baskets are a simple yet effective way to start the day with young children.

A morning basket is a designated container, a basket, bin, or box filled with toys, books, and activities specifically curated for your child to enjoy in the morning. The goal is to create a peaceful environment where children can engage in calm, independent play, allowing parents a few precious moments to prepare for the day ahead.

We all know that screens are convenient ways to keep children occupied. However, too much screen time, especially first thing in the morning, can have several downsides. Excessive screen time can impact a child's attention span, sleep quality, and mood. Starting the day with screens can make children more irritable and less cooperative, setting the tone for the day.

A screen-free morning allows children to wake up gently and transition into the day with a calm mind. Without screens, children can use their imagination, engage in creative play, and develop self-regulation skills. Plus, they learn to entertain themselves, an invaluable skill for fostering independence and resilience.

Morning baskets are effective because they offer a balanced blend of structure and freedom, allowing children to explore and play independently. The key is to make baskets specifically for your child's personality, filled with engaging, age-appropriate activities, and easy to use without adult assistance. This encourages children to explore their interests and engage in self-directed play.

Morning baskets are also a great way to establish a routine. Children thrive on routine because it gives them a sense of security and predictability. Knowing they have their basket to explore each morning helps set a positive tone for the day. It also signals that this is their time to play independently, fostering a sense of freedom and confidence.

The beauty of a morning basket is that it can be tailored to your child's unique interests and developmental stage. Here are some ideas to get you started:

●     Board books, picture books, or simple storybooks that your child can "read" on their own are perfect for encouraging a love of reading and sparking their imagination.

●     Simple jigsaw puzzles or wooden shape sorters are great for developing problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.

●     Blocks, LEGOs, or other building sets allow children to engage in creative, open-ended play. They can build structures, create stories, and develop fine motor skills.

●     Crayons, coloring books, or a small sketchpad can provide a quiet, focused activity that encourages creativity.

●     Items like playdough, kinetic sand, or soft sensory balls can provide a soothing, tactile experience that helps children calm down and focus.

●     A few figurines, toy animals, or small vehicles can inspire imaginative play scenarios. These items encourage storytelling and role-playing, which are great for developing language and social skills.

●     Collect interesting rocks, leaves, or shells and place them in a small box for children to explore. This can spark curiosity about the natural world and encourage observation skills.

When creating a morning basket, think about the following to make it as effective as possible:

●     Rotating the items in the basket every few days or weeks will keep things fresh. This will keep your child engaged and excited to see what’s new.

●     Choose items that won't over-stimulate your child. Avoid toys with blinking lights and loud sounds.

●     Ensure the items in the basket suit your child’s age and developmental stage. You want them to be able to play independently, so avoid anything too complicated or that requires constant supervision.

●     Don’t overload the basket. A few carefully chosen items are better than an overflowing basket. Too many choices can be overwhelming for a young child.

●     Place the basket somewhere your child can easily reach. This will empower them to take charge of their own playtime and reinforce the idea of self-directed play.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the ability to play independently. It may take some time for them to get used to the idea of a morning basket, especially if they’re accustomed to screen time in the morning. Start by introducing the basket as a special activity and gradually increase their time with it. Celebrate their successes and offer lots of praise when they engage with the basket independently.

The idea of a morning basket is a simple yet powerful tool for parents looking to create a more peaceful, screen-free start to their day. By providing a dedicated space and a selection of engaging independent play activities, you can help your child develop essential skills, reduce morning stress, and create a positive routine that benefits the entire family. So why not give it a try? You might find that the peaceful mornings you’ve been dreaming of are easier to achieve than you thought.

Originally printed in the January 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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