Babydoll’s Guide to Starting The School Year Off On A Positive Note, And Keep It Going
As we prepare for back to school, it’s the perfect time to set up a morning ritual that helps to get the kids off on a positive note. Begin by…

376669 02: First-grader Khatona Miller, right, investigates a circled location on a world globe with other classmates August 22, 2000 at Chicago’s Stewart Elementary School. Young Khatona Miller is one of over 430,000 children heading back to the classrooms Aug. 22 in the Chicago Public School system.
(Photo by Tim Boyle/Newsmakers)As we prepare for back to school, it's the perfect time to set up a morning ritual that helps to get the kids off on a positive note. Begin by teaching them to acknowledge at least one thing they are grateful for today. Then repeat some positive affirmations. You don't have to come up with your own, and I even posted some great ones from YouTube below for all ages. What's great about the first steps of this simple morning ritual for kids, is that it doesn't impede your efforts to get them ready for school. They can express gratitude and repeat affirmations while getting dressed, riding, or walking to school.
This brings us to the final step of the ritual: PLAY THEIR THEME MUSIC! My daughter absolutely must hear Lizzo's "Special," before walking into that school building every morning. She loves it, and it's a gentle reminder that she is loved and special every single day. So, on the ride to school, we blast Lizzo and sing to each other at ignorant levels. Remember we must take care of our kid's mental and emotional wellness like all other areas. Even if no one has ever done it for you. It's never too late or early to start positive thinking!
All these words, but only three simple steps:
1. Start your morning in gratitude
2. Repeat your positive affirmations
3. Play your theme music!
Gratitude can be spoken out loud, or written down
If you choose to write, here's my personal favorite journal:
Affirmations are for all ages
Young Kids:
Teens:
Parents: