Now is the time to set the back-to-school routine so your kids will be at the starting line and ready to go on the first day of school.
Back-to-school season brings a lot of excitement, but it can also be stressful for kids and parents alike. Between shopping for school supplies, scheduling appointments, and making sure your kids have everything they need to start the new year off right, it's easy to forget about the daily routine you'll need for a great school year. The best way to get into the swing of things is by starting the morning routine now with the help of these tips:
Now is the time to start the fall morning routine
Morning routines are an important part of getting kids ready for school. They help ensure that your children are awake, alert and ready to learn. Here are some tips to help you create a morning routine:
Set a wake-up time for your child that is consistent and realistic.
Have them start the day off with a healthy breakfast now so they'll be in the habit when school starts in a couple of weeks.
Establish a clear path from their bedroom to the bathroom or kitchen so they can find what they need in the morning without being distracted by games or toys first thing in the morning.
Make sure there is enough light in your child's room so they know when it's time to wake up.
Bookmark the school's (and siblings') calendar
Make sure you have a way to keep track of all your important dates and events.
Whether you use an online or a paper planner, here are some tips for getting started:
Create a shared calendar between you and your spouse/significant other. This will help keep both parents aware of what's happening at home with their own kids, as well as any appointments or obligations that come up for them. If there are any joint responsibilities (like taking care of your home), make sure those get added too.
Set an alarm to help the family get up and out on time.
If you want to be sure that all children are ready on time, set an alarm for each child. When the first alarm goes off, start waking your little ones up. If they have a second alarm, use it to help them get ready for school.
Once everyone is awake and dressed, set another alarm for breakfast or lunchtime (depending on which meal comes first). If some kids aren't hungry when their alarms go off, let them eat later. There is no "one way" to do this. The next couple of weeks before school gets underway is your trial and tweak period to figure out what works best for your family before the big day.
Get the whole family involved in making sure the new school year starts off right
Getting your kids ready for school is a family affair. Here are some ways you can help:
Have your children help you pack their backpacks, clean out the fridge and make sure they’re wearing the right clothes.
Make a list of all the things your child needs to do before the first day of school and have them check off each task as it gets done. This will give them a sense of accomplishment, which will make them feel more confident and engaged during their first days back at school.
It's a marathon, not a sprint
You’re in it for the long haul. As soon as that new school year starts, it’s time to get busy again, and I hope this article has given you some helpful tips on how to do just that—whether by taking care of the little details or making sure everyone is ready and excited about going back. If there’s one thing we know for sure, though, it's that every family goes through this process differently, so don't feel pressured. Whatever you do makes sense as long as it works for your family (and still gives kids plenty of time off from studying).
You've got this!
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