A morning routine makes getting ready for school simpler and faster.
Homework and lunches are more likely to make it to school, and parents can actually enjoy their morning cup of coffee.
However, finding the right routine can take some trial and error. Every family will be a little different based on work schedules, school start times, and bus routes.
We’ve put together some tips to streamline the morning rush and get your family to their destinations by the first bell.
Set out backpacks and clothing the night before
How much time gets wasted as everyone looks for their stuff? Pants, socks, shoes, and homework have a way of hiding right before it’s time to get on the bus.
Get rid of stress by preparing the night before. Have your children set out their clothes, including shoes and coats.
One of the side benefits of setting everything out the night before is that you’ll know what someone’s missing before it’s an emergency.
If someone needs clean socks, you still have time to wash a pair. If someone was supposed to bring napkins to the school party, you have time to run to the store.
You may not eliminate last-minute emergencies, but you’ll be better prepared for them.
Create a lunch packing system
You can do this one of two ways. First, pack or have your children pack their lunches the night before.
You’ll need space in the refrigerator to keep the lunch cool until the next morning, but you’ll save a lot of time.
The second way is to set up a lunch packing system. Separate each of the sides into baskets.
For example, the fruit in one basket, crackers in another, and drinks in another. Set aside a drawer or shelf in the fridge for the items that need to be refrigerated like yogurt and veggies.
Your children then get to pick one thing from each basket or shelf. It’s easy, fast, and you make sure you’re kids are getting the nutrition they need.
Clean out backpacks after school
Nothing slows down the morning more than pulling out a stack of papers you need to sign before your kids leave for school.
Have your children clean out their backpacks as soon as they get home. They can wipe out their lunch boxes, give you any papers, and throw out any trash that made its way home.
Practice makes perfect
Before school starts or if you’re changing routines part way through the year, practice before it’s go-time.
Your children might balk at trying their new school routine on a Saturday, but the more comfortable everyone is with the new routine, the more efficient the morning will be.
Have everyone set out their school supplies and clothes the night before.
Set alarms to school times and run through the entire routine, including walking to the bus and driving to school. (If you’re changing your routine mid-year, you might not have to include the last part.)
Conclusion
It might take a few tweaks and adjustments to find a routine that works for your family. Give your kids plenty of practice.
But once everyone is comfortable with the routine, you’ll wonder how you ever functioned without it.
