School Morning Routines That Work

All parents know that school mornings can be a real challenge.  You’re dealing with tired kids, trying to get everyone dressed without an argument, prepping a healthy breakfast and getting lunches and backpacks ready.  It can make you exhausted before the day even gets going.  Over the years I’ve had my fair share of rough mornings but if you stick to these tips you will be on the right track for a smooth transition for the entire family!

• Keep a routine each morning so that everyone shares the same schedule. Consistency helps each family member know who is doing what at all minutes of the morning. It shouldn’t be a surprise to your children what time breakfast is and who showers when. Brush teeth, shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, and get to school on time!
• Create a family “command center.” Centralize a station for all your family’s coats, shoes, backpacks, sports equipment and so forth, near the kitchen or door for easy morning access. Keep a family calendar or pin board for family notes at the station. Each night have your children load their homework and projects at the command center for a quick morning exit!
• Practice open communication with your family. Talk about your family’s routine every night and get everyone on the same page. Talk about what works and what does not work, and then make the appropriate adjustments.
• Lay out the entire outfit for next day the night before makes getting dressed simplified in the morning. The hanging canvas closet racks with 5 slots are great for picking out outfits for each day of the week. Label each slot for Monday through Friday to make preparing weekly outfits easier than ever. Your children should never have issues with their morning wardrobe again.
• Pack the family’s cold lunches the night before so it’s “grab and go” and out the door in the morning.
• Get to bed early! A tired and cranky child only slows down the morning routine.
• Organization goes far. Make sure homework is done the night before, projects are ready for transport to car before going to bed and everyone has what they need to leave the house.
• Have a family calendar that all members contribute to. Have your children add in their after school events, upcoming weekend event, family nights and after school sports. Most importantly, talk about the calendar as a family and bond together over discussion.

Be a family, be supportive, be funny and don’t forget to smile and laugh together! Life is short and can be enjoyable, too. Enjoy the moments of chaos and grow together.

Good luck!

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for dads and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.