Preparing your kids for school in the morning can be challenging, whether in elementary, middle, or high school. However, with proper preparation, planning, and practice, setting up a morning routine for school can help ensure that your kids get ready for school on time.
Keep reading and learn how to establish a morning routine for school that will help make the school year less stressful.
Prepare the Night Before
Creating a morning routine for school requires planning ahead, and a good first step is to prepare the night before. Completing to-do lists in advance makes for a smoother morning for your family. This way your family has enough time in the morning to get ready for the day and nothing is forgotten as you’ll hurry through the door.
Kids often remember items they need for school in the morning. Take advantage of this opportunity to discuss any necessary items they need for school with them the night before, which can help reduce stress and save time in the morning.
Get Your Kids Involved
A helpful tip for parents is to involve their kids in getting ready for school. Kids can choose their outfits for the next day or the entire week and set them aside. They can also organize their backpacks, and homework, charge their laptops and gather other school necessities.
It’s a good idea to designate an area in your home where all the school-related items are placed and are easily accessible in the morning. Kids can also clean their lunch boxes and water bottles during this time.
They can assist in planning, prepping, and packing their lunches with you. By encouraging kids to prepare in advance for school, they learn valuable life skills and become more independent while developing their time management abilities.
Create A Checklist
Checklists are an amazing tool for staying organized, and they work wonders for your kids too! It motivates them to get ready for school.
Having a checklist for their morning and night routines is a game-changer. It not only keeps them on track with their tasks but also boosts their confidence as they learn to accomplish things independently.
Moreover, it infuses a sense of responsibility in them, which is an invaluable life skill. So, download our kids’ daily routine checklist, and watch your kids thrive as they take charge of their own routines.
Plan Breakfast Ahead
Starting your kid’s day with a nutritious breakfast is crucial for their well-being and helps them power through their school day.
Don’t stress about preparing breakfast in the morning. One helpful tip is planning their meals ahead of time for the week, including their input on their preferred breakfast options. This ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand.
For quick and simple breakfast ideas, consider protein-rich meals such as protein waffles or a 2-minute oatmeal pack with fresh fruit.
Some other quick breakfast ideas are:
- Yogurt with fresh fruits
- Cereal of their choice
- Protein frittatas
- Toasted bread with their favorite spread
- Bread with scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
By planning breakfast for the entire week, you ensure it doesn’t interfere with your kids’ morning school routine. This saves you time and eliminates the stress of figuring out what’s for breakfast each morning.
Keep A Regular Sleep Schedule
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for kids as it improves their academic performance, focus, and health, and reduces stress. The National School Foundation recommends that preschoolers should sleep for 10-11 hours, school-aged kids for 9-11 hours, and teenagers for 8-10 hours per night.
It’s important to maintain a sleep schedule throughout the week, including weekends, to ensure that your kids get enough rest for their school activities.
Setting a regular sleep schedule can be challenging, but here are some helpful tips:
- Engage in light exercise in the evening, such as a family walk, bike ride, or stretching.
- Turn off electronic devices an hour before bedtime.
- Establish a specific time to start winding down, which includes preparing for school, following a night routine such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading a book, etc.
- Lastly, turn off the lights in the entire house to initiate quiet time.
Have Some Time For Yourself
The school morning rush can easily leave you feeling overwhelmed, but remember, in order to care for your kids, you need to take care of yourself too. It’s crucial to start your day on the right foot by carving out some “me” time in the morning. Set your alarm a little earlier than everyone else to indulge in activities that rejuvenate you.
Whether it’s a moment of meditation, prayer, a refreshing exercise session, journaling, or simply getting yourself ready for the day ahead, prioritize self-care. By giving yourself this precious time, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of the morning and be the best version of yourself for your kids.
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Add Some Cushion To Wake Up Time
To make your school mornings run a little smoother, try waking up your kids 20-30 minutes earlier each day. This gives them a little cushion time to get ready for school and eases them into the day. Plus, it allows for some flexibility in case any issues come up during their morning routine.
And the best part? You’ll have some extra time to spend together as a family! You can use this time to give your kids hugs, pray together, talk about what they’re excited about that day, give them some positive affirmations, or remind them of anything important.
Have Kids Make Their Bed
Making your bed as soon as you wake up in the morning comes with a surprising benefit—it sets the tone for a productive day ahead. This holds true for your kids as well.
Encourage them to make their beds each morning as part of their school routine. Not only does it infuse a sense of accomplishment, but it also establishes a positive mindset from the get-go.
Making their beds serves as a simple yet powerful reminder that they are ready to tackle the day’s challenges.
Remove Distractions
It’s important to eliminate distractions during the morning rush to maintain focus and productivity. Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs can easily divert our attention and disrupt our children’s morning routines.
To prevent this, create a device-free zone where smartphones are silenced and kept out of sight, TVs are turned off, and tablets are put away. This way, you can establish a calm and focused environment where everyone can easily complete their morning tasks.
By minimizing distractions, you can ensure that your kids stay on schedule and start their day off right with productivity.
Set A Positive Mood
Want to know the secret to having a great day? Establishing a happy and positive atmosphere during your kids’ morning routine can work wonders! Encouraging them to say positive affirmations can boost their self-confidence and help them tackle any challenges that come their way.
Even when they feel nervous about certain school tasks, affirmations can help them confront their fears and overcome any obstacles that come their way.
Encourage your kids to repeat affirmations like,
- “I am capable,”
- “I am strong,”
- “I am loved”
- “I can do anything I set my mind to”
- “I will make mistakes, and that’s okay.”
- “I am surrounded by love and support”
- “I believe in myself and my abilities.”
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Get Your Kids Motivated
If your child struggles with getting up and ready for school, you can help motivate them by implementing a rewards system. This can be especially useful for kids who don’t enjoy school or tend to be grumpy in the mornings.
By giving incentives for completing their morning routine and being on time, you can create a positive atmosphere that encourages them to participate.
Rewards can be something small, like a treat or extra playtime, or a special privilege. It’s important to remember that every child is different, so find what motivates your child best.
A Morning Routine For School That Works For You and Your Family
Creating a consistent morning routine for school can benefit your children and your family as a whole. By following a structured routine, your kids will be better equipped to handle any challenges that come their way and develop essential life skills such as responsibility, time management, and independence.
A well-planned morning routine can set them up for success and help them feel confident and empowered throughout the day.
It’s important to keep in mind that flexibility is key when establishing a morning routine for school. Get creative and tailor the routine to fit your family’s unique needs. There is no right or wrong way to do it, as long as it works for you and your kids.
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