We can all agree that mornings with toddlers are the hardest, right? How about it anyone So lively at 5:30 in the morning? Of course, not our poor parents, many of whom still (still!) have to wake up at least once in the night because someone had a nightmare/needed water/needed to cry/wet the bed/had a random thought they just did Shared at 1am
So it’s no surprise that many of us turn to screens first thing in the morning when our kids aren’t quite awake yet. While this is a great solution for some, others prefer to start their day with gentle activity.
TikTok user @abigaellanai, “Abby,” has an elegant solution: a morning basket.
In a recent video, which has been viewed more than 4.5 million times at press time, Abby sits in a quiet house with a cup of coffee while her children play quietly on the floor in front of her.
“If you’ve been debating whether or not to make a ‘morning basket’ for your child, let this be your sign. This is what my almost three-year-old has been hearing for the past half hour.
Honestly, we were sold. Unfortunately, this ringing endorsement is for a product we’re completely unfamiliar with.
What is a morning basket?
What magical item could produce such an amazing quiet, relaxing effect? Abby created a follow-up video explaining how the whole thing works.
“What is a morning basket? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like,” she explained.
It’s a basket (one she found at home) filled with toys and activities for her child to do first thing in the morning to stop her from looking at screens. She went on to say that while she’s not an “anti-screen time mom,” she does use screen time. But by morning, the basket proved to be a success.
“Okay,” you might be thinking, “then why not give your kids free rein with all their toys? Why is the morning basket important?
Morning Basket Ideas
Abby explains her daughter Do She has access to all her toys, but in the morning she doesn’t always know where or how to start. (Too many decisions are made too soon: we’ve been there, baby girl.)
“This basket with just a few items really helps her focus and leads her to some independent play without my help,” Abby said. “For me, that’s what the morning basket is all about. I just need 10 minutes to drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot to clear my mind.
Amen.
She highlighted the fact that her morning basket did not contain any newly purchased toys – just toys that were already at home – but contained a variety of items that her daughter had been playing with, as well as some that she might have forgotten things, so they will be forgotten. She also noted that she rotates the toys so the basket is exciting for her little one.
The comments are full of parents approving of the idea. Many people say they’ve had success with the morning basket system as well, and many more say they’re excited to try it with their own kids… not so young.
“I’m doing this for my own sake [boyfriend] This way I can get some peace in the morning,” joked one commenter. “The man was so excited that he couldn’t wake up.”
And there you have it: your morning basket! Enjoy this information and use it in your own home…whether it’s your children or your partner.
