Getting Kids Ready For School In The Morning (Without Spinning Their Heads)

Ohhh, the insanity of school mornings! While getting kids ready for school can start off as pre-dawn whispered wake-up calls . . . it can turn into a mad rush to get everyone out of the door on time. It's enough to spin their heads!

Let's face it, when you have children in school, mornings are often the most hectic time of the day. So, how do you manage all the details, make sure everyone has all the things they need for the day without stressing yourself and flustering your kids?

The short answer: organization. Whether the kids in your life are pre-schoolers or high-schoolers, here are a few tips to help put some sanity back into your mornings.

Tip #1: Getting Kids Ready For School

When homework is finished (the night before), look it over and place into a folder designated for returning this work to school. Place the folder in your child's book bag at this point so that you are not looking for it the next morning.

Are there any other special supplies or books needed for the next day? If so, pull those items together and pack.

Tip #2: Getting Kids Ready For School

In the evening, school clothes should be chosen for the next day. If it's a school uniform, sweet . . . you only have to make sure the uniform is clean and pressed. If it's a wear-what-you-want outfit, decide on all the elements (top, bottom, shoes accessories). Trying clothes on and making sure they fit and there aren't any rips, tears or missing buttons can save gobs of time the next day.

And . . . it's a good idea to leave the chosen outfit in a place that's easily accessible for dressing the next morning. (left on a chair, a dresser, hanging on a doorknob, etc.)

Oh, and don't forget if a gym uniform or other apparel is needed for later in the day, you can ready and pre-pack in your child's school bag.

Tip #3: Getting Kids Ready For School

If your child takes a lunch to school, consider preparing this the night before and placing in the refrigerator in a bag. It's much better to take the time in the evening when you aren't feeling so rushed.

On school morning, all your child has to do is grab it and head out the door.

Tip #4: Getting Kids Ready For School

Everone knows that healthwise, breakfast is one of the most important meal of the day. So while it's tempting to skip breakfast in the interest of saving time . . . don't.

Depending on what's for breakfast, you can get things ready the night before. Example: If you're serving cereal, consider setting the table with the bowls, spoons and cereal box so that they are ready to be used. Come morning, all you have to do is pull out the milk!

Quick meals like frozen waffles are also a time saver since they only require just a few minutes in a microwave or toaster and can be eaten quickly before heading out the door.

Tip #5: Getting Kids Ready For School

Be realistic as to how much time is needed to get your children up and into the morning's routine. If your child is a heavy-sleeper or has trouble waking up, guess what? "Earlier to bed . . . earlier to rise" should become your motto.

.......................................................................................................

Applying these principles will not only save time in the morning but will also result in less morning stress . . . and everyone goes off happily, prepared for the day.