
07/25/2025
If your child wakes before you, what happens next often shapes the whole day. Instead of creeping into your room at dawn, give them a plan + tools.
Create a Quiet Choice Basket (prep it tonight):
-- 2–3 short board or picture books.
-- Coloring pad + chunky crayons or twistables.
-- Simple puzzle or matching game in a zipper bag.
-- Busy box items (Velcro shapes, pop tubes, fidget toys, sticker books).
Optional: kid-friendly audio story with headphones.
Teach the routine: “If your light is still red, pick something from your Quiet Basket until it turns green.” Practice during the day so it’s familiar in the morning.
Bonus: Rotate items every few days so it feels new and exciting—and so you don’t hear, “I already did all of those!” at 5:30 a.m.
What would you put in your Quiet Basket? Let’s share ideas for tired parents everywhere. 💛