Drama-filled mornings are a drag for mom and any child. Throw in school, and the stress level can quickly rise the closer it gets to leaving the house. To say goodbye to tantrums and tears and hello to ease and flow, read the following suggestions.
Plan ahead of time. Take a few minutes out of your afternoon or evening to preview your child’s school day. Consider starting with what papers need to go to school, such as permission slips and forms, etc. Include your child in this important planning time. It teaches them the importance of organizing their school bag and time management. Discuss what they’ll want to eat for breakfast and lunch, too. If you have the energy, you might find preparing food items the night before can be a big game-changer as well.
Establish an early bedtime routine. Getting enough quality sleep is vital to your child’s mood and energy level the next day. A good routine can begin with a relaxing warm bath before dinner, a bedtime story, and lights out early policy. Ensure there is a good hour of device-free time, so your child’s eyes, nervous system, and brain are all allowed to unwind naturally.
Wardrobe selection. To avoid any last-minute wardrobe meltdowns, ask your child to pick out an outfit the night before. Don’t forget underwear, socks, shoes, and belt also need to be chosen. Put as much as possible on a hanger and ask your child to get dressed right after brushing their teeth in the morning. Encourage independence and see if they can do this by themselves.
Dedicated school spot. Find a place close to the front door where school items, such as bags, shoes, lunch box, and water bottle, can be piled up. How many times have you left the house forgetting one of these things? Don’t overlook extras like an umbrella, sweatshirt for cooler days, and even gym clothes. All you and your child do is scoop them up on your way out the door.
Bypass any morning stress by planning, organizing, and preparing the day before. With only the minimum of tasks to do before school, you and your child can enjoy a few moments together over a quiet, relaxing family breakfast. —RG
