Can I be honest? Mornings are not my thing. It’s not that I don’t wake up early, because I do. I mean, do I really have a choice as a mom? But I don’t like being productive in the mornings. I prefer slow mornings where I can ease into my day. Unfortunately, as a working mom of three, that luxury is on hold right now, so having some structure to my mornings is essential to starting off on the right foot.
READ: 6 Ways You Can Level Up Your Life As a Busy Mom
With back-to-school season just around the corner, it’s time to gear up and get those school morning routines in check, especially since all the kids are now away from home: one in elementary, one in preschool, and one in daycare. RIP to my bank account (LOL).
4 Steps to Create a Successful Back-to-School Morning Routine
Before I dive in, I want to say I’m practicing these back-to-school morning routine tips right along with you. We all know how chaotic mornings can be, especially when you’ve got more than one kid to get ready. But fear not! I’ve got you covered with some practical tips, tricks, and hacks to help you create a morning routine that works, ensuring everyone gets out the door on time without the stress.
Reminder, as moms, we must give ourselves grace because the I’s won’t be dotted nor will the T’s be crossed every morning. And that’s okay. Motherhood is a journey of progress, not perfection. The goal is to make today better than yesterday and to try again tomorrow if it doesn’t go as planned.
Step 1: Prep the night before.
Lay out clothes. One of the easiest ways to save time in the morning is to have everyone’s clothes ready the night before. Lay out complete outfits for each child, including socks and shoes. This way, there’s no rummaging through drawers or last-minute fashion crises. Get your kids involved by letting them pick out their outfits before bed.
Pack lunches. Packing lunches at night can save you a significant amount of time in the morning. Prepare sandwiches, chop fruits and veggies, and portion out snacks ahead of time. Store everything in lunchboxes in the fridge so you can just grab and go in the morning. Investing in a good set of reusable containers will help keep everything organized.
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Organize backpacks. Make it a nightly ritual to have your kids pack their backpacks with all the necessary supplies, homework, and permission slips. Place the packed backpacks by the front door or in a designated spot so they’re ready to grab on the way out.
Set up a launch pad. Create a “launch pad” near the door where you keep all the essentials like backpacks, jackets, shoes, and any other items they need to take to school. This will prevent the frantic search for missing items when it’s time to leave.
Step 2: Streamline the morning routine.
Wake up earlier. This might be a tough pill to swallow, but waking up even 15–20 minutes earlier can make a world of difference. It gives you a head start and some quiet time to mentally prepare for the day ahead. Plus, it’s nice to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace before the morning madness begins.
Use a checklist. Create a simple checklist for your kids to follow in the morning if they are of age. This can include tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, making the bed, and having breakfast. Having a visual reminder can help them stay on track and take some of the burden off you.
Simplify breakfast. Keep breakfast simple and nutritious. Choose easy options like overnight oats, yogurt with fruit, or smoothies. You can even set up a breakfast station with cereals, granola bars, and fresh fruit, and the kids can help themselves.
Delegate tasks. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your kids. This will help teach them to be responsible for their own morning routine. Older kids can help younger siblings, and everyone can pitch in to get things done faster. It’s a great way to teach them independence and responsibility.
Step 3: Utilize hacks for a smooth morning.
Use a timer. Set a timer for each task in the morning. For example, allocate 10 minutes for getting dressed, 15 minutes for breakfast, etc. This helps everyone stay on schedule and prevents time from slipping away.
Create a family command center. Set up a family command center in a central location. This can include a calendar for tracking activities, a whiteboard for reminders, and a place to keep important papers. Having everything in one spot makes it easier to keep track of what needs to be done.
Prepare for emergencies. Keep a “just in case” bag in the car with essentials like snacks, water bottles, wet wipes, and a change of clothes. You never know when you might need it, and it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard.
Limit screen time. Avoid the temptation to let your kids watch TV or play on their devices in the morning. It can be a major distraction and make it harder for them to stay on track. Save screen time as a reward for when they’re ready to go.
Step 4: Stay organized throughout the school year.
Have weekly planning sessions. Set aside some time each weekend to plan for the upcoming week. Review the family calendar, plan meals, and make sure everyone knows what’s coming up. This helps to prevent any surprises and keeps everyone on the same page.
Use color coding. Color coding can be a lifesaver when you have multiple kids. Assign each child a different color for their school supplies, lunchboxes, and even their spot on the family calendar. It makes it easy to see immediately who needs what.
Label everything. Invest in a good label maker and label everything — lunchboxes, water bottles, backpacks, school supplies — you name it. This not only helps to keep things organized but also ensures that lost items find their way back home.
Establish routines. Consistency is key to a successful routine. Try to stick to the same schedule every day, even on weekends. This helps your kids know what to expect and makes the routine feel like second nature.
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Sample Back-to-School Morning Routine
Here’s a sample back-to-school morning routine that you can tailor to fit your family’s needs:
6 a.m. Parents wake up
- Enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or tea
- Review the day’s schedule
6:30 a.m. Kids wake up
- Get dressed (clothes laid out the night before)
- Make beds
6:45 a.m. Personal hygiene
- Brush teeth
- Wash face
- Comb hair
7 a.m. Breakfast
- Simple, nutritious options
- Kids can help themselves from the breakfast station
7:30 a.m. Final checks
- Make sure backpacks are packed and ready
- Double-check that everyone has everything they need
7:40 a.m. Out the door
- Grab backpacks and jackets from the launch pad
- Head to the car or bus stop
Bonus Tips
Stay positive. Mornings can be stressful, but try to stay positive and patient. Your mood sets the tone for the day, so a calm and cheerful attitude can make a big difference.
Adjust as needed. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to tweak the routine. Flexibility is important, and it’s okay to adjust until you find what works best for your family.
Celebrate successes. Celebrate when things go smoothly. Acknowledge your kids’ efforts and let them know you appreciate their cooperation. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.
READ: Maximize Your Mornings: The Ultimate Back-to-School Nighttime Routine
Creating a back-to-school morning routine that works takes a bit of planning and effort, but the payoff is well worth it. With a little preparation the night before, streamlined morning activities, and a few clever hacks, you can transform hectic mornings into a more organized and stress-free start to the day. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for your family and sticking with it. Here’s to smooth and successful school mornings, Moms! You’ve got this.