Getting ready for school is made up of lots of tasks that need to be done in a short amount of time. But with some preparation and simple strategies, you can calmly and efficiently move through the morning. In this article, we’ll share 17 tips to help you get out the door smoothly.
Table of Contents
- Tips for Getting Ready for School the Night Before
- Tips for Your Morning Routine
- General Tips for Getting Ready for School
Tips for Getting Ready for School the Night Before
A calm morning starts the night before. With a little preparation and organization, you can set yourself and your kids up for a successful morning. Here are some tips to help.
1) Have a Place for School Things
When kids get home from school, their backpacks, coats, and shoes can easily end up all over the house. To prevent frantic morning searches, designate a spot for school things they can use as soon as they walk in the door.
This could be a cubby, basket, a hook near the entrance, or in their room. It’ll take a few days for this to become a habit, so be patient and remind them until they remember to put their things in a designated spot.
2) Unload Backpacks Together
Once your kids have a designated spot for their school things, make it part of the after-school routine to unload their backpacks together. During this time, you can go through any papers that need to be signed or homework your child needs to do.
Have your child empty their lunchbox to avoid last-minute surprises in the morning, such as a smooshed banana or spilled yogurt.
3) Check the Calendar
Each evening, take a moment to check the calendar. What’s on the agenda for tomorrow? Does your child have soccer practice or a piano lesson? Is there a field trip or special event at school?
Knowing what to expect can help make the next few tips more effective.
4) Prep Lunches and Snacks the Night Before
Throwing together a last-minute sack lunch can add to your morning stress, especially if you’re trying to pack a balanced meal. Avoid this by prepping lunches and snacks before bedtime.
You can also involve your kids in packing their lunches for the next day. This will save you time and give them ownership of their meal, making it more likely they’ll eat it.
A Kitchen Adventures Subscription from Little Passports by Begin can help build your child’s kitchen skills. The kid-friendly recipes can help add tasty variety to meals and snacks.
5) Plan Outfits in Advance
Ask your child to pick out their outfit for the next day before bedtime. They can organize everything they want to wear, including their socks and shoes.
If your child needs help selecting an outfit, give them two options. This way, they still have a choice but you can ensure their clothes are weather-appropriate and suitable for the day’s activities.
6) Park Tech for the Night
After your child boosts their core skills by spending 15 minutes on the HOMER app by Begin, have them park their tech in a designated area away from their room.
This will help them wind down and prevent late-night scrolling, leading to a better night’s sleep. They’ll also know exactly where to find their devices in the morning, saving time and preventing frantic searches for misplaced gadgets.
7) Get to Bed on Time
Grumpiness and lack of sleep often go hand-in-hand. To make sure your child gets enough rest, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it, especially on school nights.
A simple bedtime routine can help calm and relax your child, making it easier for them to fall asleep. This could include bathing, brushing teeth, reading a book together, or listening to soft music.
Tips for Your Morning Routine
Now that we’ve covered some tips for the night before, let’s look at ways to start your child’s day with a smooth and stress-free morning routine.
8) Wake Up on Time
When do you need to walk out the door so that you’ll arrive on time? Once you know your exit time, you can work backward to determine when you and your child need to wake up. Estimate how long your child takes to get ready and add 10-15 minutes for unexpected delays.
Set everyone’s alarm accordingly, and make sure everyone gets out of bed when they should. Snoozing may be tempting, but it can throw off your whole morning routine and create unnecessary stress.
9) Get Yourself Ready
As a parent, it’s easy to put your needs last when getting your family out the door. But taking a few minutes to get yourself ready can make a big difference in how smoothly your morning goes.
Getting dressed, finding your shoes, and enjoying a cup of coffee or tea before the kids wake up can help you feel more in control and ready to tackle the day.
10) Create a Morning Routine
Create a simple morning routine your child can follow to help them stay on track. This could include tasks like:
- Brushing teeth
- Combing or brushing hair
- Washing face
- Getting dressed
- Making the bed
- Eating breakfast
If your child isn’t reading yet, a picture for each step can help them be more independent.
11) Have Simple Breakfast Options
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but when you’re scrambling around trying to do a million things, it can be tempting to skip it or resort to unhealthy options.
Instead, try these quick and easy breakfast ideas that you can prepare the night before or very quickly:
- Toast with peanut butter and banana slices
- Overnight oats
- Smoothies
- Boiled eggs
- Yogurt with fruit and granola
12) Use Timers
Some children take their sweet time getting dressed or brushing their teeth. Try setting a timer for each task to encourage them to stay on schedule.
You could even implement a simple sticker chart where they can earn extra screen time or a special treat if they complete their morning routine on time.
13) Make Mornings Fun
One of the most important things you can do to create a calm and peaceful environment during the before-school rush is to keep things light and fun. Try playing upbeat music as everyone gets ready or making a game out of your kids’ tasks.
General Tips for Getting Ready for School
These final tips can make getting ready for school a smoother experience for your whole family.
14) Encourage Independence
One of the best ways to have a successful morning is to encourage your child’s independence. While it may initially be faster for you to do everything, teaching your child to get their breakfast or pack their backpack can save you time and make them feel more empowered.
15) Develop Gratitude
When the morning doesn’t go completely as planned, don’t let it throw you. Whether it’s a quick hug from your child or a beautiful sky on the drive to school, take a moment to appreciate the little things and start the day with a positive mindset.
Encourage your child to do the same by asking them to share something they’re grateful for each morning.
16) Be Patient
Remember to be patient with yourself and your child as you navigate your new morning routine. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t go smoothly at first. It takes time to develop a routine and adjust to new habits.
17) Keep Experimenting to Find What Works
Every family is different. You won’t find a “perfect” morning routine online. Experiment and try different approaches until you find what works best for your family.
It’s OK if your mornings don’t start like everyone else’s. Your routine just needs to work for you!
Start Your Mornings Right!
Getting everyone ready for school and out the door in the morning can be a peaceful (and even fun!) experience. For a successful morning routine, pick one or two of the above tips at a time and gradually incorporate them into your day.
With a few adjustments, you can start each day on a positive note. And, remember, you aren’t alone. At Begin, we’re here to support your family every step of the way!
Our award-winning learning programs can help your child develop essential academic and life skills that will set them up for success.
