It’s that time of year when we are looking out our windows to see the yellow buses transporting precious cargo to local schools. However excited they are to begin school, there is always the change in schedule which may cause a little stress in the morning. Time management experts suggest that if we take the first two weeks of the school year and get a routine in place that accomodates everyones needs, the rest of the year will go much smoother. Here are a few other tips that may make your morning a little less harried:
*Set your clocks ahead, just 5 or 10 minutes may be all you need to keep you on task and on time. If there are several people waiting for the bathroom, make a schedule and everyone gets 10 or 15 minutes. Maybe use a timer to stick to the schedule.
*Lay out clothing for everyone the night before, including socks and shoes. No more last minute searches for the favorite tennis shoe. Have a time schedule posted so that children know how much time they have to get ready, and when breakfast will be ready. A timer might help here also to keep them moving, if they can see the minutes ticking away, it helps to develop self discipline.
*Have a box or basket near the door for each child to have everything they need to take in the morning. Books, lunch money, hat, gloves, sports gear, etc. If items are not available (in the dryer) make a note and stick it to the box so it can be retreived before heading out the door. Great idea for parents to have their briefcase or purse, keys, lunch, etc in the area so you are ready also.
*Start going to bed earlier. It may take a few weeks to get your body used to going to bed an hour or so earlier, but you’ll find it easier to get up in the morning
*If you go to bed earlier, it will be easier to get up earlier. Plan to get up at least 30 minutes before your children so that you can be ready to face the day before they get up
*Make time for breakfast, it’s the most important meal of the day. Set the table the night before, set the cereal boxes out so you’ll be ready when they are. If you must eat on the run, choose nutritious foods, such as fruits, cheese and crackers, whole grain muffins or bagels, or even a sandwich.
*Prepare lunches the night before or along with breakfast. Make sure to include whole grains, fruits and vegetables in the menu. Place the note beside the door to not forget the lunchbox.
Make a quick check list of things they are to do before they leave their room (like make the bed, feed the hampster and pick up their clothes) and another one beside the door before they leave the house, of all the things they are to take with them. Before long you can take the list down because it’s become part of their “habit” and when they have a routine, hopefully, so will you.
