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If your morning routine is rush-rush-rush and you feel more like a drill sergeant trying to get the kids out the door in time for the bus (or carpool), its time for a change. (But you already knew that, didn’t you?) There will always be days where everything seems to go array, but sticking to a simple routine can help eliminate the majority of the madness.
Wardrobe Woes – Since wearing the perfect outfit is essential to school-days success (or so believe the majority of the little girls I know), speed up your morning routine by picking out clothes the night before. Make it a family event to check out the weather before teeth brushing. Then with the next day’s weather in mind, layout the perfect attire and accessories the night before. (Hint – don’t forget to round up that missing sneaker to save even more time in the morning.)
Pack it Up – Set aside time after dinner each night to review backpack contents. Remove graded papers and gather all of the important documents (permission slips, homework, etc.). Put everything in its place, and make a list of items that still need to go back into the backpack before bed.
Grand Central Station – Don’t let a perfectly planned morning get thrown out the window when you realize the keys are missing. Create a spot near the door for all of those last-minute essentials like keys, extra circular accessories, papers, etc. If everything is one spot not only will you know where to find it, but you will also be less likely to forget something since it is all there together (like your wallet).
Lunch Box Crazies – Just say no to packing lunches in the morning. Get everything you need prepped the night before. Dedicate shelf space in the fridge for the next day’s lunch so that in the morning you can just grab the pre-prepped lunch items and ice packs, toss them in lunch boxes and go.
Go-go Breakfast – Even if everything goes right, one of our biggest hangups in the mornings is breakfast. My 5-year-old daughter knows that it is the most important meal of the day, but she is still the world’s slowest eater. (Seriously, there should be a competition for it, she could win every time.) Although I can’t speed her up, keeping her excited about what she is eating by selecting her favorites and changing things up helps. To that end, I am always stocking up on new good-for-you breakfast options including cereal and fresh fruit.
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This school year, take steps to speed up your morning routine with a little pre-planning. Who knows, you might even free up enough time to sit down for a bowl of cereal with your students before sending them off to school.
Michelle says
All great ideas! Two other tips that work well for us… 1) No TV in the mornings! It can be tempting to flip on when little one wakes up earlier than mommy or daddy are ready to, but it sends the whole routine into a tailspin! 2) Also, we always have a handy back-up “to-go” breakfast on hand. This way, even if drama breaks out over not wanting to eat, I can usually convince her to eat a banana, berries, or squeezey yogurt or applesauce in the car on the way.
Sarah B says
My kids are not school age yet, but we already follow some of these tips. I try to have my hubby’s lunch packed and ready to go every day. We also pull out outfits ahead of time when we know that we will have a busy morning. I’d like to get better about breakfast choices that are quick and easy though.
Lisa says
One way I keep breakfasts super easy and still healthy is to make egg puffs in muffin tins, then freeze them. That way I can pull one out of the freezer and pop it in the microwave. It’s quick and easy, and they can even be eaten on the go if necessary. My kids and husband love them!
deanna says
great tips! got to breakfast…I like that one
xo
Keith W says
Just wait about 13 years and the problem will miraculously disappear!
shelly peterson says
these are all some really great ideas. thanks for sharing!
Cynthia Sizemore says
These are very great tips,very helpful.I tried getting clothes ready the night before but then she changes her mind in the morning.
Tina says
I think that morning sets the tone for the day. If it is too hectic so the day will be too. I love the ideas.
Dawn Ganey says
I prepared the day before too. Thinking ahead causes less stress on you & the kids.
Stephanie Larison says
I’m so not looking forward to my daughter going to school because I’m so anal about things in the morning. Lol, it’s going to be pure chaos. Our best bet will be to have everything ready the night before. She’ll start this next year already…sigh!
Jill Myrick says
We lay out what they are wearing the night before. And make sure that jackets, shoes and bookbags are by the door before going to bed.
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Susan Smith says
We pack backpacks and lunch bags the night before. I also lay out clothes. I get breakfast ready so that all they have to do is eat and go.