Here at Hearth, we can’t get enough of our Routines feature. And when it comes to imaging how your family could benefit from a Hearth Display of your own, think about what your mornings look like currently. There are lunch boxes to pack, after-school bags to pack, even tasks like helping your kids brush their teeth require Herculean effort. That’s where our Routines feature comes in. Set up your ideal morning flow and count on your Hearth Display as the source of truth, even in the most chaotic of mornings. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to set-up a morning routine customized for your family.
To create a Routine, go to the Routines section in your Companion App's menu tab. You’ll find your family members listed, and options to add a Routine for each member from the top right or under their name.
You can either choose one of Hearth's recommended Routines or create a custom Routine from scratch. Our recommended Routines are designed with kids in mind and can be further customized to fit your family's needs.
Here are some of our favorite tips for building a morning routine that works for the whole family.
Create a routine collaboratively
Bring kids into this process by getting their help prioritizing tasks. Maybe the idea of getting dressed right out of bed feels daunting to them. Or perhaps packing their water bottle for school makes more sense the night before. When you build out the routine together, it’s easier to explain the sequence of events.
Check the weather
Start using your Hearth Display’s Weather Widget as a team, making note of any weather-specific accessories the day might require. It’s also a good idea to take a look at the calendar together to make note of any activities that might require something like a soccer ball or clarinet, too.
Set the stage
Great days start with great soundtracks. Make it a family ritual to play upbeat music during your morning routine. Some kids appreciate hearing the same playlist every morning so that they can associate certain songs with movements of their morning routine.
Share positive thoughts
Maybe a family-wide meditation feels like a distant dream at this point, but it’s never too early or too busy to intentionally use positive language around kids. Ask questions like, “What are you excited for today?” or “What’s one thing you’re proud of yourself for doing?” to jumpstart breakfast conversation.
Make breakfast happen
It’s not always going to be homemade French toast and scrambled eggs, but taking time to prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein sets the day off on a strong foot. If mornings feel crazy enough as is, try make-ahead options for smoother sailing.
