Having a good morning routine can set a positive tone for the day, making you feel calm and in control. And a calm start to the morning is definitely needed on those busy school days.
The best start to the day is ensuring a good night’s sleep. Just as you do for the children, setting yourself a regular bedtime as well as creating a relaxing sleep environment can really help. Additionally, waking up early with plenty of time to avoid rushing around will stop you feel stressed in the mornings. If you, or your children, find it hard waking up in the darker months, why not try a light alarm clock which aims to mimic sunrise to wake you naturally?
Although obvious, hygiene and breakfast are key tasks to start the day and get yourself and the kids ready for school. Simply taking a quick shower, or washing your face will freshen you up first thing and clear any lingering cobwebs from the alarm clock!
Brushing teeth and combing hair can often be missed by children, so incorporating these into their routine should make it easier for it to become normal. Have them comb their hair as part of their routine of dressing for school, and brushing teeth after breakfast. Anchoring these jobs with tasks they already complete helps to ensure they complete them each day.
Breakfast for the whole family is important to provide energy and nutrition. Ensuring a healthy and balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, whole grains and fruit or vegetables is a smart choice . Ideally, avoid sugary cereals or sweet pastries, as they can lead to an energy crash later in the morning.
If you’re preparing for the first day back to school after the summer holidays, check out our other blog on how to prepare for back to school for additional hints and tips.
Many of us feel like we don’t have enough time in the day to get things done, but taking a few minutes the night before to prep and prepare for the following morning can make a huge difference.
Simple things, such as laying out uniform the night before gives time to check everything is ready and to-hand. Don’t forget things such as ties and belts. Similarly, packing school bags the night before allows you time to find any missing books, pencils or homework! These are perfect tasks for your child to complete, giving them a sense of responsibility and accountability. If your child is quite young, take time to double check everything, or complete these tasks together as part of their bedtime routine.
If your child takes a packed lunch to school, try to pack as much as you can the night before.
Having a designated spot to pop coats and school shoes, along with their pre-packed school bags can save you from unnecessary stress and scrambling around at the last minute as you’ll have everything in one place and ready to go.
In the midst of juggling various classes and afterschool clubs, it can be tricky to keep track of everything without a little help. Having a planner or list of some kind can be a massive benefit. Each night, take a moment to review the list to ensure they have everything needed for the next day. This simple task should save you from the frantic morning rush-around looking for plimsolls and shorts for PE or missing homework.
Most children tend to pick up and mirror the same habits as their parents – whether they want to or not! Establishing a consistent routine for yourself can make a world of difference. When your child sees you washing, getting dressed, eating breakfast and brushing your teeth, they’ll see this as normal and with a little luck, they’ll happily join in and complete these morning tasks alongside you, without any fuss or resistance!
Despite our best efforts in planning and preparing, things very rarely go to plan. Giving yourself an extra 10-15minutes in the morning allows for any last minute occurrences. Those last minute toilet trips, book hunting or coat swapping can often leave you feeling stressed as it’s made you late and you now need to rush. Allowing that little bit of extra time should help avoid that, keeping the morning as stress-free as possible.
