Morning Play Setups

Each weekday morning during this quarantine season, I’ve set up some play ideas for Max. My main goal with these setups is to start our day on a happy, positive note. As it has become part of our weekly routine, Max knows the drill and runs out of his room asking, “what is it mommy?” It’s like Christmas morning everyday and that’s almost enough for me. BUT, I’d also like some time to peacefully wake up, make breakfast, enjoy my coffee, or get some work done, so another goal is to inspire some independent play.

I make it a mission to keep these setups really simple and easy, because there’s a huge chance that Max won’t be interested in what I put out. When we put a great deal of effort into something for our kids and then they aren’t interested or their response is negative, it can create some feelings of resentment in us and that is not how I want to start my day. The setups do take some creativity and planning, but through my years as a preschool teacher and play therapist, it’s kind of second nature to me. I’m posting these setups to save yall that trouble!

So, what happens if Max isn’t interested in my setup? Then he usually finds something else on his own. These setups will inspire play one way or another. Either Max plays with what’s out or the setup gets his wheels turning and he makes his own plan. The setups are often just a jumping off point for him. It’s like when you are trying to choose a restaurant to go to and you don’t know where you want to go, but you know where you don’t want to go so you eliminate those options and land somewhere…are you with me? It’s sometimes not enough to just direct our children to “go play,” they need a little inspiration.

The play setups also refresh old toys by presenting them in a new, fun way. Interest in toys can wane over time and this is a good way to keep them in rotation. I like toys that can inspire play for a loooong time. Check out this post for my favorite toys. You can also find more setups here and here.