With kids heading back to school, it can be challenging to transition from a summer schedule to a more demanding school year schedule. Establishing a morning routine will help keep everyone organized.  

Here are some tips for creating an effective routine for your family:

  • SET A TIME FOR WAKING UP ON SCHOOL MORNINGS – AND STICK TO IT:
    Consistency is key.  By waking up at the same time every day you will develop a pattern of wakefulness and sleepiness each day.  It’s equally important to go to bed the same time every night, especially for young children who need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Once you have determined what time your kids need to get up to get ready for school, you can then easily determine what time they need to go to bed.
     
  • PREPARE FOR EACH DAY THE NIGHT BEFORE:

Make sure that school bags are packed up and placed in a designated spot to be picked up the next morning. Have your children choose their outfits the evening before as well. Plan for lunches if your children will be bringing them from home. Have them ready to grab and go. Get the day off to a good start by having everything organized and ready to go.

  • CREATE A “TO DO” LIST FOR YOUR CHILDREN THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO DO BEFORE LEAVING:

Brushing teeth, getting dressed, putting on shoes, eating breakfast etc.You can find free printable charts, or you can have your children make their own. Place it where you know they will see it first thing every day.

  • SCHEDULE ENOUGH TIME FOR A HEALTHY BREAKFAST:

Any breakfast is better than none but try to avoid having sugary sweets for breakfast every day. Your kids need fuel for their bodies and minds to be successful at school.

  • BE SURE YOU HAVE AMPLE TIME TO GET TO THE BUS STOP OR SCHOOL:

Time your departure so you are not rushing to get your kids where they need to be. Per the national initiative Attendance Works, missing just 10 percent of the school year in early grades causes many students to struggle in elementary school, and lateness in later grades is associated with increased failure and dropout rates. In addition, the stress of rushing and/or consistently being late creates anxiety. Arriving to school calmly and with time to spare sets a positive tone for the day.

Setting a consistent routine will make mornings more pleasant and the school day more successful!

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Photo credits: dixiecanyon.com, thesoccermomblog.com, everydaybest.com, raisingchildren.net.au