"Do not say, 'It is morning,' and dismiss it with a name of yesterday. See it for the first time as a newborn child that has no name." -Rabindranath Tagore
In many ways, we do not wake up the person we were yesterday. In sleep, our brains process and file away the events of the day, and we wake up refreshed and (usually) with a clear mind. We are given the opportunity to start anew, and it is essential to take advantage of that.
Too often, we allow yesterday's events to dictate how today will go. We dwell on things that went wrong and let them ruin our mood and attitude. This sets us up for a self-fulfilling prophecy; if we think today will go wrong, it probably will.
Instead, we should take each day as it comes and approach it with new senses.
Here's how you can engage your child's senses with positive inputs to begin the day.
Touch: Give them something soft like a stuffed animal or favorite blanket, snuggle, or hold hands.
Smell: Make breakfast and let the tantalizing aromas waft through the house, open up the windows and let in some fresh air, or light candles.
Taste: Start the day with a nutritious breakfast for your child. Give them a tall glass of cold water or milk.
Sound: Play your child's favorite song to get them upbeat and ready, opt for soft instrumental music, or create a morning playlist together.
Sight: Look your child in the eyes, open window shades, let in the light, or make observations together.
Taking a few moments each morning to engage your child's senses can help them start the day with a positive attitude. It's a small change that can make a big difference in their day-to-day lives.
