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Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/getting-out-the-door-in-the-morning-a-guide-to-managing-schedules-and-priorities/
If you’ve ever tried to get your kids out the door for school in the morning, you know how challenging it can be. Between managing schedules and getting everyone dressed and fed, it can be tough to stay calm and organized. But creating a morning routine for kids can make the process a lot smoother.
A routine means situating morning activities in a specific order and teaching your kids to follow them. An effective morning routine can ensure that you and your kids get out the door on time and that everyone starts off their day right.
Here’s how to create a morning routine for kids to make mornings run more smoothly.
Have a Good Sleep Routine
If you want your kids to be well-rested and ready to face the day, make sure they have a good sleep routine. That means going to bed at a reasonable time and getting up at a consistent time each morning. The routine should continue even during the weekends.
Make sure you get everyone up at the same time. Waking everyone up at the same time can help things run more smoothly in the morning. That way, you’re not trying to hurry one child while another is taking their time getting ready.
Prepare What You Can the Night Before
To make the mornings less hectic, do as much as you can the night before. For instance, you can lay out clothes for everyone, pack bags and school materials, and prepare breakfast items. This way, you won’t have to scramble to get things done in the morning.
You can get your kids involved in the preparations. It’ll be an effective way of teaching your kids to be responsible and help them understand what you expect them to do every evening.
Have a Designated Area for Everything
To make getting out of the door easier, have a designated area for everything that should go out with you in the morning. This will ensure that you don’t forget anything when you’re ready to leave.
For instance, keep all the school bags in one place. You can also put all the items that need to be signed in a specific spot. This organization will make it easy to grab the necessary items when you’re getting ready to leave.
Get Your Kids Moving as Soon as They Wake Up
To get your kids’ brains going in the morning, get them moving as soon as they wake up. You can do this through simple activities like jumping on their bed and snuggling them or helping them stretch.
You can also play and dance to their favorite tunes or share positive messages such as how to be compassionate. You can also opt for activities like walking around the block. Getting your kids moving in the morning will help them be more alert and ready to start their day.
Set up a Schedule and Place It in a Prominent Spot
To make sure everyone knows what they need to do in the morning, set up a schedule and place it in a prominent location. You could place it on the fridge or by the door that everyone uses to leave the house.
The schedule should list all the activities your children should do in the morning, including getting dressed and brushing their teeth. You can also add a few reminders, such as grabbing a jacket if it’s cold outside.
Once you have a schedule, make sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing. You should also think about managing children’s schedules by assigning specific tasks to particular kids for certain days of the week.
Keep the Breakfast Simple but Healthy
Don’t make the mistake of skipping breakfast. A nutritious breakfast containing at least one complex carbohydrate and protein is essential to getting your kids through the morning. It will provide them with the energy they require to concentrate in school and will help them avoid becoming irritable later.
At the same time, you don’t want to spend much time preparing breakfast. Keep it simple with items that are easy to prepare. For instance, you can opt for healthy breakfast items like fruits, yogurt, whole-grain toast, or cereal.
If your kid is a picky eater, you’ll need to use tips like having fun with breakfast to encourage them to at least have something before leaving the house.
Set a Time Limit for Getting Ready
If getting everyone ready in the morning feels like it’s taking forever, set a time limit. You can use an egg timer or your phone to time each activity.
Having a time limit will help kids move faster and not dawdle. It’ll also help them understand that getting ready in the morning is a process that they should do quickly.
Setting a limit should go hand in hand with setting priorities. Ensure that your kids prioritize the most important tasks, like getting dressed and brushing their teeth. This way, you can make sure that they do everything vital even if you run out of time.
Give Yourself a Few Minutes Before the Kids Wake Up
One of the crucial parenting tips you should remember is to have time for yourself. Wake up a few minutes earlier than your kids. Spend the time enjoying your coffee or doing something that makes you feel good, like reading or listening to music.
You can also use the time to prepare yourself and get ready for work. This way, you’ll assist your kids once they’re up, without having to forego your morning routine.
Having some time for yourself in the morning will help you feel more relaxed and ready to take on the day. You’ll be able to lead your kids by example and show them how to start their day in a calm and collected manner.
Create a Morning Routine for Kids by Following These Tips
The morning hours with children can be hectic, but there are ways to make the process less stressful. Our article has all the tips that will help you create a morning routine for kids and make getting out the door in the morning a breeze.
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