Mornings can be stressful when you’re trying to get lots of people out of the house. Try these tips and tricks to find a routine that works for your family and keeps your mornings drama free.
Create a command station.
Find a place in your home that you can dedicate to displaying everyone’s information. A family calendar listing everyone’s events, plus a place to display individual calendars, lunch menus and other items. Additionally, each family member should have a place to put important information, such as permission slips to be signed or library books that need to be returned to school. This is also a good place to hang your keys so they are always in the same spot.
Prepare the night before
Anything that you can do at night is helpful. Get backpacks packed and by the door. Be sure you have checked them to make sure they have what they need for the next day at school. Check the calendar to be sure they have the appropriate items for gym, library, etc.
Lay out clothing. Include undergarments, socks, shoes, hair accessories, etc. If you have a picky dresser, lay out two outfits to prevent morning meltdowns.
Prepare lunches. If your children are old enough, let them pack their own lunch and place their lunchbox in the fridge the night before. If they have snack time at school, this is a good time to go ahead and put the snack in their book bag so you don’t forget in the morning.
Enforce the bedtime routine.
Having a specific bedtime and a routine is also important. Kids should shower, brush teeth, put PJs on and enjoy a story well before you would like them to be in bed. At their set bedtime all of their tasks will be accomplished and you can get lights out at about the same time each night. Kids who don’t get enough sleep don’t perform as well at school. Lack of sleep could also weaken their immune system making them susceptible to illness.
Set a good example
Be sure that you organize yourself and set your alarm with plenty of time for you to get up and get yourself ready as well. When parents are rushing it creates stress for everyone. Be sure to leave time in your morning routine to eat breakfast as well. Children who have breakfast perform better than those who don’t.
Keep the schedule consistent and simple.
If the schedule is the same each day you and your kids are more likely to fall into the routine. According to Psychology Today it takes 21 to 66 days to change routine into habit, so don’t give up! It may seem daunting at first, but it will pay off in the long run!
Sources:
NCBI; National Sleep Foundation; Psychology Today
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