Kids Morning Routine -make it easier on everyone
Enjoy your morning more than this!
Every parent knows the stress of getting kids to school on time, with brushed hair, brushed teeth and clothes on the right way ( and that’s just the parents). Small children don’t often see the importance of getting ready on time, regardless of your plans for the day. So how can you make life easier for yourself and get the kids to school on time without war breaking out in your house before 8am? Giving the kids a morning routine that they can follow is useful as they know what to expect and it will become habit-forming as they get used to it.
1-Start the night before
Do as much as possible the night before so that you have to do as little as possible in the morning when time is short. You could make the kids’ packed lunches once they’re in bed, or depending on their ages, they could do it themselves. Ask your child to lay out their school uniform before going to bed, or what clothes they want to wear for school the next day.
Make sure that all books, drinks, sports kit etc are ready and waiting by the front door so you don’t have to lose time in the morning looking for it. For primary age kids, ensure they have their bath or shower in the evening which buys you some time back as well.
2-Give yourself space to think
If you can face it, depending on what time your kids get up, consider getting up 15 minutes earlier than them. You could shower or eat breakfast in peace or whatever works for you. That extra time will help put you in a better frame of mind for the day ahead.
3-Connection Time
Just like you, the way children wake up will also affect their mood for the day ahead. Have they had enough sleep ( if they consistently lie in past the alarm, then probably not)? If they have, go in and say hi, give them a hug, or spend a minute talking quietly so that they have time to connect with you. This helps them adjust for the day ahead too and should mean there’s less grouchy feelings between everyone.
4-Use routine to your advantage
As I mentioned earlier, if you do tasks in the same order every morning then the kids will learn what to do and when and it will become automatic.
See my Kids Morning Routine printable below!
5-Have set places for items to live
Keeping the kids’ shoes by the door, backpacks in a set place, sports kit in their sports bag and so on will really help save time in the morning and cut back on stress. See my 10 Great Tips Organised People Already Know .
6-Reward your child if they get ready with time to spare
Give the kids something to work towards with an incentive, such as 10 minutes to play with their favourite toy or TV/tablet time, so they know it works in their favour to get ready.
Using these steps should mean that you get out the door on time and with everyone in a better mood for the day ahead.
