Back to School Morning Routines
So here it is!!! Resources to take the stress out of this Back To School season! For some of us, the season has begun and for those few lucky ones, you are right on the brink of start days. Here are 3 Simple Steps to get your mornings flowing without the stress!
1. Do as much as you can the night before!
- Look at folders and sign forms as soon as you get home!!!!
- Kids need to empty Lunchboxes and refill water bottles for tomorrow.
- Have a set time for homework!!!! I cannot stress this one enough. (Do this ASAP to avoid the fight…look for future info on trouble shooting homework)
- Pack that backpack up and hang it or sit it by your exit. Older kids can do this without help!
- Showers before bed—we like to do this while mom is cooking supper.
- Send kids to lay out clothes and shoes—hair bows—earrings—socks— (trust me on the socks!)
- Check the lunch calendar for the next day-mine hangs on the refrigerator for easy access.
1. Did you send lunch money this week? If not, then do this now. 2. Have your kids pack their lunch boxes- all you have to do in the morning is add a cold drink and a sandwich if you don’t like soggy.
2. Get in Bed On Time! Sleep is important!! Children need 10-12 hours of sleep for healthy brain development and growth.
- Take a few minutes to connect with your child.
- Help! My child won’t sleep! (post about this coming soon)
- Go to bed!
Bedtime is a great time for connecting with kids. This is often the time they are ready to share thoughts/worries/concerns/exciting moments of their day…Keep the lights off and snuggle up or sit on their bed for a few minutes. *Warning* This is not a time for disciplining or lectures…just listening!
Sleep is important for you too! Go to bed early enough to get 7-8 hours of sleep.
*Unless you have a baby this is doable*
3. Rise Early!
- Please do not let your children be the ones to wake you for school! They need guidance! Get up early enough to be prepared for whatever the morning may throw at you—a child who can’t seem to wake up—a belly ache that sends them running to the bathroom—a child refusing to get ready—I could go on and on here. Get up and get ready before you have to wake them.
- Wake them up at a set time each day! Do it in a way that sets the tone for the day. No yelling or screaming. Please do not pour water on their heads… Wake them in plenty of time to do their own morning routine. Yes they will need a routine too.
- Eat Breakfast! Make sure to feed your child or get them to school early enough for Breakfast. A child cannot concentrate on school work with a growling tummy and they are more likely to get in trouble due to distraction of hunger.
- Grab backpacks (These should already be packed waiting by the door.) and head out the door!
- If your child is a car rider…Make sure there is time to walk your child in without hurrying them (if needed). You will be glad you got up early and got yourself ready before you left.
- Send them off with a hug, kiss, and “I love YOU!”
Remember Rome was not built in a day, and your routine will take some time to get used to.
Make this routine YOURS each day and your stress will be gone! If you need support, comment below so I can help you trouble shoot your routine. Remember Rome was not built in a day, and your routine will take some time to get used to. Don’t make these simple steps Hard! If you are struggling overall with parenting, call me today to talk about Parent Coaching at 615-683-1111.