Morning Routines

If your mornings are anything like mine, with my own two children, you know the benefits to having a morning routine when getting ready for the school day.  Getting out the door is no small feat - kids need to be dressed, teeth and hair brushed, breakfast eaten, backpacks packed and in the winter all the snow gear needs to get out the door as well.  Obviously, all of these responsibilities don't fall on parents shoulders but they need to be shared with your children to give them responsibility and allow for a pleasant morning.  The following tips will allow everyone to leave without bickering and it will leave everyone with a happier start to the day.

The most important tip is to teach your child to take care of their morning routine as independently as possible, without you reminding, taking over or helping when it isn't required.  You need to first decide how much time you need to get your child and yourself out the door in order to get to school on time. Then make a list of the things, include pictures for younger children, that need to be done in the order they need to be completed.  Make sure that backpacks and clothes are picked out the night before to make for an even easier morning.  Hang the list in a visible location for your child and allow them to check items off as they go to feel that sense of accomplishment.  As your child completes each task provide specific praise (nice job getting your teeth brushed, etc) to encourage your child to continue.  If your child gets everything done with time to spare allow them a few minutes of play time before heading out the door.  Lastly, walk out the door on time even if their morning routine isn't complete.  Do not give in to the temptation to nag or scold or do the task for your child.  Chances are they won't want to continue to eat breakfast on the go the next morning and they will complete their tasks on time.
Remember, change takes time.  Plan carefully and keep your patience, even when it is most difficult. Children who have happier mornings at home and arrive to school on time go on to have more successful days at school - which is the goal that we are working towards for everyone!