If you’re a parent or guardian, you’re likely well-versed in the school morning battle, especially if your kid is not a morning person. Kids with neurodivergence or less amicable tendencies can find mornings extra offensive. A high-stress morning is no one’s idea of starting the day off on the right foot, but finding solutions that work can be a challenge. One busy working mom with the handle @maisieandnova shared a recent TikTok video with a unique approach to her daughter’s school morning tantrums.
One Mom’s Time Saving, Temper Reducing Morning Routine
The single mom, who works full time, shared that she puts her daughter Nova, who she says is “not a morning person,” to bed in the clothes she’ll wear the next day. This method saves time in the morning and helps Nova avoid morning tantrums — a tactic she says is a lifesaver for her busy schedule.
She shared that some of her parenting practices as a working mom are things other people “don’t agree with, but as a “mum who works long hours,” she needs to be creative to make things work. Along with putting Nova to bed in the clothes she will wear the next day, she sometimes allows her to have breakfast in the car, which saves even more time.
While this strategy might seem drastic, Masie says she attempts to wake Nova up at 5:45 a.m., letting her wake up and rouse herself in her own time, joining her mother when she feels ready to. Often, this means they have to eat in the car so Nova can catch a few extra minutes of sleep.
Although some reactions were critical, several moms rallied to support Masie’s methods. One commenter related, saying, “Oh my god, I’m glad I’m not the only one who dresses them before bed if we have to leave the house early!” Another said, “Putting her in clothes the night before is so smart. I’ve had to pick my fights a few mornings and send my daughter in pjs.”
What An Expert Says
Helen Neale, a Therapeutic Counselor and Parenting Expert at KiddyCharts, says she can’t see any problem with this, depending on how sweaty and active the kids are before bed. “It could be helpful for many reasons with neurodivergent children, depending on their particular presentations,” she adds.
Kids are unique and have their own struggles, but Neale says using the methods Masie suggests could be particularly useful for some families.
“For children that struggle with change, as if they are in the same clothes, that transition will be a lot easier,” she says. If your child finds change challenging, wearing the same clothes from one day to the next can simplify transitions if they are already comfortable. Another bonus is limiting the stress of choosing a new outfit each day.
Neale says children with sensory sensitivities also benefit from wearing the same clothes, as they would have already acclimated to the feel of their clothing from the previous day. So, any issues with fabric textures, tags, or changes post-wash would already be worked out, sidelining any discomfort and fuss in the morning.
Moreover, planning outfits is another task that can be managed more calmly in the evening rather than during the hectic rush of the morning, says Neale. Deciding what to wear at night can alleviate some pressure, allowing both children and parents to enjoy a more relaxed start to the day.
Other Ways to Promote Sleep and Easier Mornings
Sure, here are some bedroom ideas for kids that can promote better sleep:
- Try to expose your child to morning light. Research shows circadian rhythms are supported by morning light exposure and time spent in daylight.
- Use blackout curtains to block out light during bedtime. Light signals our bodies to wake up, so using blackout curtains can help signal it’s time for sleep.
- Invest in good-quality, comfortable, and cozy bedding. The right bedding can make a big difference in sleep quality.
- Create a relaxing atmosphere in the room, ensuring the environment is cool, dark, and quiet.
- Use minimal lighting if necessary. If your child is afraid of the dark, a soft nightlight can provide comfort without disrupting sleep.
- Strive for consistent sleep patterns. Aim for consistency in your child’s sleep pattern to support their overall sleep quality.
- Practice healthy sleep hygiene. Teach your child healthy sleep habits, such as a relaxing bedtime routine and avoiding screens before bed.
- Keep sleep hours within healthy limits. Follow the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s recommended amount of sleep for your child’s age group.
Choose What’s Best for Your Family
Ask yourself what you are comfortable with regarding hygiene and what potential sensory or executive function challenges exist within the school morning routine. Understanding your family’s potential sticking points can help you create a routine that works for everyone.
Ultimately, the decision to wear the same clothes through the night and the next day is personal and varies from one family to another. “It’s about cooperating with your child and thinking about what might work best for you and your family,” says Neale.
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