How To Make Your Morning Routine Easier
It can often seem like weekday mornings with kids are a rush to get anything done and many parents are left wondering how they actually make it out of the house in one piece. We have a few tips to make your mornings a bit simpler.
- Keep things quiet. Try to keep technology such as TV and computers turned off or as minimal as possible. These items can cause added noise, stress and distractions.
- Turn to praise. Keep a positive tracking log or reward system in place whenever your kids complete tasks that help everyone get up and out of the door a little easier. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in teaching your kids to be responsible.
- Make sure your kids are getting enough sleep. Typically, well-rested kids behave better and learn easier. Here is a helpful chart that shows the sleep needs of kids by age.
- Do some prep work. Try preparing things the night before. Pack any lunches if needed and let your kids pick out their own clothes. Assign a box or area of the house for school essentials such as backpacks, shoes, and lunchboxes, so you aren’t searching all over the place for them.
- Make a morning routine chart. A simple visual can serve as an aid and a checklist to keep your kids moving. Here is an example.
- Get a head start. Try setting your alarm to give you 30-45 minutes of time to get yourself ready (and caffeinated!) before your kids get up. Feeling calm and prepared to start your own day will help you get your kids ready a little easier.
