There’s nothing worse than a Monday morning when EVERYONE is running late. Your eldest can’t find their coat, the youngest keeps taking off their socks and, worst of all, you’re completely caffeine deprived. We know you need this list! So, here are our top morning tips to save some time and hassle.
Ready?! Here are our top tips for a smoother school morning routine…
No.s 1 – 10
1. First and foremost, pack school lunches the night before so children can just grab and go in the mornings!
2. Set out the kids clothes the night before.
3. Blast some music! Make an upbeat morning playlist to help everyone get energised for the day ahead.
4. Avoid last-minute panics by keeping a container next to the door with each kids’ belongings. This can include jackets, hats, gloves, scarves and shoes.
5. Prepare your breakfasts in advance! Try freezing frittatas or making some fun overnight oats recipes.
6. Set the table for breakfast right after you finish dinner each evening.
7. Even when things are hectic, take the time to talk to each other and find out what’s going on in everyone’s day. Mornings can be great for family bonding!
8. Be efficient by packing backpacks the night before.
9. Make sure children are getting enough sleep. Shut off all screens a couple of hours before bed and work on creating an ideal sleep environment. Maintaining a reasonably consistent schedule every evening is a great way to start, you can even do this on weekends!
10. To foster independence try have a morning checklist for each child. This can encourage responsibility and accountability.
No. 11-20
11. Make sure to charge your phones and devices overnight! Set up a ‘charging station’ somewhere central like the kitchen.
12. Make the beds when you get up. This gets rid of the temptation to crawl back into the bed, and it’s also a nice thing to come home to in the evenings!
13. That said, try to keep morning chores to the bear minimum. There’s time for chores in the evening and weekends when everyone is feeling less rushed.
14. As a general rule, avoid using the television or internet in the morning.
15. Try rewarding kids with fun, low-tech playtime if they finish getting ready early. Maybe a mess-less art project, like this nifty Drawing Board?
16. Delegate tasks. Have a schedule that can be re-assessed each week, term or school year. For instance, have children start pouring their own cereal or tying their own shoes.
17. For children who struggle in the mornings, use an alarm clock (or 2!) to help them wake up and get out of bed.
18. If possible try and wake up a little before your children to get yourself ready first.
19. And on that note, do not overlook the importance of tea or coffee for adults, always make some time for a cuppa!
No. 20 – 33
20. Jot down anything you need to remember the night before.
21. Sneak in a little me time for stretching and exercise. Try doing a YouTube video or use these handy Exercise Dice to create your own fun workout!
22. Schedule bathroom time for everyone in advance to avoid any unnecessary arguments.
23. Create a ‘family inbox’ to be used for permission slips and other things that require immediate attention and parental signatures.
24. Keep clocks everywhere around the house ensuring children can keep an eye on the time themselves. Have a clock in the bathroom and another in the kitchen, etc.
25. Egg timers are also a great way for keeping times on target!
26. Keep a “morning basket” in the bathroom with everything children need, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, combs and brushes, and deodorant for older kids.
27. Set down some good house rules. For example, no one can come downstairs until they’re dressed. That saves running up and down the stairs.
28. One word: bribery. Get them out the door on time and they get rewarded! Try, pocket money, a new toy, sweets, basically anything that might work!
29. Offer words of encouragement and see just how well children respond to positive reinforcement.
30. Set a hard “leaving time” by which time everyone must put on their coat. If you have extra time you can all step outside and get a few minutes of fresh air.
31. While you’re hanging around go and kick-start your brain for the work/school day with a brainteaser or quick puzzle.
32. Make the car a place children want to be; try special games and activities that are only for use whilst travelling in the car!
33. Keep a ‘just in case’ kit in the car which contains a snack, a hairbrush, a hair tie, etc.
And finally…..
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What’s the king of all school supplies? The ruler!
