Does anyone else miss the days when kids returned to school after Labor Day? I know I do. I just don’t think it is fair that kids have to be in school during the summer. Unfortunately, many school districts just keep moving the start date up. If your kids are heading back to school soon, follow these simple steps to create a successful back to school routine.
Get Up Before Your Kids
I am not a morning person at all. Seriously. I have learned through much trial and error that if I am up at least 30 minutes before my kids that our mornings go much more smoothly. I can get work done around the house before they get up and I feel much more ready to start my day with them.
Pack Lunches and Bags the Night Before
As much as possible pack all lunch boxes and bags the night before. This will help ease the stress of the early morning rush. It can also help eliminate the morning decision fatigue that can overwhelm your child and you. Not sure what kind of items your child should have in their lunch bag or how to choose one? Check out the post I wrote School Lunch Tips from a Teacher
Lay out clothes for the morning
This is a trick that will help you avoid morning fights. Help your kids pick out their clothes the night before. Keep in mind what classes they may have the next day. If they have PE they will want to wear practical shoes. If they have art class, you might not want to put them in brand new clothes. If they have school uniforms, lucky you!
Have a Set Bedtime and Routine for Your Kids
Kids like and need routines. Follow a set bedtime routine every night and it will be that much easier to get your kids to bed on time. Not to mention if your children are younger this will give you time to relax a little bit before you go to bed.
Make a List of Items You Need When You Leave the House
I have been a teacher for many years, but there are still days when I can easily walk out of the house without items I need. In our house we post a list of items we will need on the door that leads to our garage. When your kids are in school they may need to remember to bring any number of items. This can include their lunch, homework, permission slips, payments, show and tell, backpack, water bottle, snacks, library books, musical instruments, and sports gear. I suggest setting as many of these items as you can near the door in preparation for the morning.
Get Homework Done as Soon as Possible
Leaving homework to finish until the last minute is one of the biggest causes of fights in families. No one wants to be up late scrambling to finish a project that could have been completed weeks ago. Not only that, but we don’t want our children to learn the art of procrastination. Check in with your child often, know when their homework is due and assist them as needed to stay on task and get their work done on time.
These tips are just a guideline, but establishing a morning school routine while your children are young will help you all during those hectic school mornings. If your children are older start having them help prepare more so that you can do less. They will thank you when they are much older!
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