These will get your kids out the door and ready to seize the day in no time!
By Kristen Miller, Director of Education for Celebree School
As seen in Today’s Parent
As the new school year approaches, mornings can often feel like a whirlwind when you get your kids ready. We all know how chaotic it can get, but you can make those busy mornings smoother with a few simple tweaks.
Here are 10 quick tips to help you prepare your kids for school at lightning speed.
Prep the night before
Mornings can be a rush, so getting a head start the night before can help manage the madness. Try spending a few minutes after dinner laying out clothes, packing school bags, and prepping lunchboxes.
Set a consistent bedtime and stick to it
Stick to a regular bedtime to keep mornings pleasant and avoid a grumpy start. This helps your kids wake up feeling rested and ready to embrace the day. A consistent bedtime routine creates a soothing rhythm, making mornings smoother and ensuring your little ones start their day feeling happy and healthy.
Create a morning checklist and visual schedule
Try turning morning routines into fun activities with a checklist and a visual schedule. You can use colourful pictures to represent each step, like brushing your teeth or getting dressed, and hang them where your kids can see them. This way, mornings become a series of simple, easy-to-follow steps, and your little ones will know exactly what comes next.
Establish a routine and use a timer
While it may be difficult to implement at first, consistent routines often bring a comforting sense of order. Try sticking to a set schedule each morning, and add an element of excitement by using a timer for each task. See if your kids can beat the clock and who can make it out the door first. This fun approach can make a big difference!
Keep breakfast simple
While the movies make it look so easy, breakfast really doesn’t need to be a big production; it just needs to be healthy and taste good. Opt for quick and easy choices like yogurt with fruit or overnight oats. Preparing a few items the night before or discussing what your child wants can also save time and reduce morning stress.
Set up a family countdown clock
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Make mornings a bit more exciting with a cheerful countdown clock! Hang it up where everyone can see, and use it to count down the time until you need to head out for school. This little visual tool helps make the idea of time more real for kids and adds a touch of fun to your routine.
Encourage self-sufficiency
Encourage your kids to take on simple tasks like making their beds, packing their lunches, or choosing their clothes. This not only lightens your load but also builds their confidence and independence. When they handle these small responsibilities, they start the day feeling proud and capable
Streamline bathroom use
Try to coordinate bathroom time so no one is rushing or waiting. Setting up an extra bathroom or creating a bathroom schedule can make a difference if you have multiple kids.
Create a “go” bag and set up a designated space
Always feel like you’re forgetting something? Try assembling a “go” bag with essentials like a water bottle, snacks, and anything else needed for after-school sports or other activities. Store it in a convenient spot so it’s easy to grab as you head out.
Energize your mornings with music
If your kids are rubbing their eyes and struggling to get out of bed, try kicking off the morning with some music. Even if it’s just quietly playing in the background, putting together a playlist of their favourite songs and playing it as you all get ready can help boost their energy and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
With these easy and practical tips, mornings can become much more enjoyable and, most importantly, reduce everyone’s stress. Since every family’s routine is unique, try out different strategies to see what works best for yours!
https://www.todaysparent.com/family/family-life/quick-tips-for-getting-kids-ready-for-school-fast