The name of the game for a smooth morning routine is all about planning and communicating.

As the school year starts, sit down and create a morning routine with the kids. Use an image of a clock and mark what they are to do at each 5, 10 or 15 minute interval. Having a visual helps smaller kids know what to do when and if they get off track, you can point them in the direction of your clock schedule.

morningHere are some ideas for your clock schedule:
10 minutes for breakfast
15 to 20 minutes for fun – TV, reading, coloring, or playing
10 minutes to brush their teeth and get dressed
10 minutes to gather their lunch and homework and pop them into their backpack
10 minutes to tie their shoes…yes, ten minutes may be what it takes
10 minutes to breathe, talk about the day’s schedule, and get in the car

In addition to the clock idea, place a quick checklist on the wall near your front door. Use images instead of words for the younger keiki. Include things on your checklist that need to be done before they leave the house. Ideas for your “out-the-door” checklist are:

1. Brush your teeth?
2. Brush your hair?
3. Shoes/socks?
4. Lunch/water bottle?
5. Homework/backpack packed?

Prep, prep, and prep some more
Moms and dads can do a ton of stuff before morning comes to make sure the day starts off smoothly. Use the nights to pack lunches, pack backpacks, and select clothes for the kids to wear so they can just slip them on in the morning. Sign any forms that need to be signed and maybe even give yourself a shower so that you can cross that off of your morning routine.