After the initial thrill of going back to school fades away, mornings can quickly turn into chaotic episodes. Juggling the task of waking everyone up, and ensuring they’re fed, dressed, and equipped with packed lunches and essentials can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to transform those hectic mornings into smoother, stress-free experiences, increasing the odds of getting the kids to school on time.
Establish a designated space for school essentials:
Simplify your mornings by designating a specific area for all school-related items. When there’s a dedicated spot for backpacks, uniforms, shoes, library bags, and raincoats, the morning scramble to locate scattered items throughout the house becomes a thing of the past.
Be mindful of the clock:
Help your kids stick to a schedule by having visible clocks throughout the house. For younger children, improve time awareness by employing a colour-coded clock system. Use an analogue clock and coloured markers to designate 5-10 minute intervals for various activities, such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, and having breakfast.
Craft a family calendar:
Keep tabs on after-school activities, excursions, sports uniform days, and music lessons by creating a centralised calendar on the fridge. A quick nightly check will ensure that nothing catches you off guard.
Opt for easy and portable breakfast options:
Anticipate those mornings when everything seems to go awry by having convenient, portable breakfast choices on hand. While not ideal, eating on the way to school is better than skipping breakfast altogether.
Incorporate responsibility into their allowance:
If your children receive an allowance, integrate the morning routine into their responsibilities. Dock a portion of their allowance if they’re not ready on time. This approach can be remarkably effective in maintaining a smooth morning flow.
