New School Year: Mornings Simplified
The start of a new school year always seems to sneak up on me. I guess we relish our summer schedule for as long as possible! But school has started (or is about to start for some), traffic is back, and it’s time to get a solid routine in place. So, as my start of school gift to you, here are a few tips to simplify your morning routine…
Do Less in the Morning.
Check and empty backpacks when kids come home from school, prep lunches & select outfits the night before, keep breakfasts simple.
Plan Ahead.
Check weather forecasts before clothes are selected, set alarms for each child, leave a buffer in your schedule for last minute clothing changes or extra long bathroom time or managing “my belly hurts” moments.
Help Kids Keep Track of Time.
Use visual timers for morning tasks like eating time, play a morning playlist using songs as audible reminders for each task, set alarms on your phone for 5 or 10 minutes before “out-the-door” time.
Make Everything Easy to Find & Grab.
Have a “home” for things you need on your way out the door. For adults, this might be keys, wallet/purse, sunglasses, masks, umbrellas, etc. For kids, this might include homework, backpacks, water bottles, lunches, computers, masks, shoes, coats, etc.
Sure, things will not run smoothly EVERY morning, but maybe they can most mornings. When they don’t go smoothly, take a breath and try to laugh about it (save talks about how things need to change for calmer moments). When they do, relish the morning moments with your kids and feel great about your good start to the day!
Best of luck! You got this!
