It's no secret that a morning routine can set the tone for the entire day. If you and your family struggle to get out the door on time every morning, it may be time to create a morning routine that works for everyone. With some planning, practice, and patience, you can create a morning routine that prepares everyone in the family to take on the day! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for creating a school morning routine that works for everyone in your family.
One way to keep your little ones accountable is with a family calendar. At the beginning of each week, sit down with your kids and review what activities are scheduled for each day. This way, they know what to expect and can plan accordingly. For families with teens, morning routines can be a little more flexible. However, it is still important to set some expectations and boundaries. For example, you may want to agree on a time when everyone needs to be in the bedroom with the lights off so that everyone can get a good night's sleep.
Another important part of a morning routine is getting enough sleep. Most school-aged children need between nine and twelve hours of sleep every night. Adequate sleep helps kids focus at school and boosts their immune systems. To help ensure that your child is getting enough sleep, establish a bedtime routine that includes winding down for 30 minutes before lights out. During this time, your child can read, journal, or listen to calming music.
Another way to ensure a smooth morning is by preparing as much as possible the night before. This includes laying out clothes, packing bags, and setting out breakfast items. If you have little ones, you may want to prepare their lunch the night before as well. For families with teens, they may be able to help with some of these tasks so that everyone can have a more relaxing morning. This will help them learn responsibility and time management skills.
Another important aspect is to start the day off correctly if your family has breakfast. A healthy breakfast fuels the body and mind for the day ahead. It's important to offer a variety of healthy options so that everyone in the family can find something they like. Some good options include whole-grain toast with peanut butter, oatmeal with fruit, or eggs and veggies.
Once you have breakfast and sleep covered, it's time to focus on getting out the door on time. To do this, create a morning schedule that includes time for each family member to get dressed, brush their teeth, and pack their backpack. Then, post the schedule in a visible spot so that everyone knows what needs to be done and when. Finally, give yourself some wiggle room in the morning by setting your alarm clock ten minutes earlier than necessary. This way, if someone hits snooze or there's a minor mishap, you won't be late for school!
Finally, you can make your family's morning routine fun! Play some upbeat music while everyone is getting ready or have a dance party to wake everyone up. You may even want to create a morning mantra that everyone can recite together. Something like, "Today is going to be a great day!" can help set the tone for the day and make everyone feel positive.
With some planning and effort, you can create a school morning routine that works for everyone in your family. By getting everyone involved in the process, you can make mornings less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone. What tips do you have for creating a morning routine? Share them with us in the comments below!