Getting your kids ready for school in the morning can be an incredibly stressful time for both parents and kids. From fights about what to wear, what to eat and when it’s time to go, it’s easy to see how your day can get off to a bad start when there’s conflict.

As parents ourselves, we’ve found that having a routine in place drastically helps keep everyone cool, calm and collected.

In this article we’ll go over our stress-free morning school routine that includes:

• Getting up before your kids do
• Prepping lunch, outfits and backpacks the night before
• Getting your kids their own alarm
• Making a routine chart
• Allowing time for a proper breakfast
• Back to school gear

 

Sample Morning Routine

Step 1: Get Up Before Your Kids Do

We know the idea of waking up earlier than your kids sounds insane, but trust us – having your own time to drink your coffee, meditate, stretch, watch the news, eat breakfast and get dressed will make leading your pack so much easier.

Step 2: Prep the night before

While this is a morning routine, some of the actions need to happen the night before. If your kids don’t wear a uniform to school, have them pick out what they’d like to wear before they go to bed. If they do wear a uniform – make sure that it’s clean and ready to go!

Same goes for your child’s backpack. Once their homework is completed, get them to check that their bag is filled with the correct books, worksheets, change of clothes and any other specific items needed for the next day.

When it comes to packing lunches, we are huge fans of the night before prep. This can even be done while making dinner the night before. We like to choose things that won’t get yucky over night like cut carrots, sliced strawberries, granola and a whole grain turkey sandwich.

Step 3: Get your kids their own alarm

No stranger to the, ‘5 more minutes’ response we’ve often heard from our own children, we’ve found getting kids their own alarm clock gives them a sense of independence and motivates them to get up and at ‘em in the morning.

Step 4: Make a routine chart

Routine charts are particularly helpful for younger kids who need a reminder or incentive to remember to get dressed, eat breakfast, brush their teeth and grab their bags. This can be a simple checklist or a full-blown rewards chart.

Step 5: Allow time for breakfast

When you’re rushed, you’re anxious and kids can sense your anxiety. Be sure to allow at least 15 minutes for your kids to sit down and eat breakfast.

 

Our Favorite Back To School Gear 

 

Fluf Zipper Lunch Bag

 

Fluf Snack Pack

Marcus & Marcus Collapsible Sandwich Wedge

 

STATE Bags The Kane Backpack – Rainbow Stars

 

Engel Zipper Backpack

 

STATE Bags The Kane Backpack – Girl Power

STATE Bags Ryder Snack Pack – Dinoflage

 

Sticky Lemon Small Pencil Case

 

Modern Twist Bowl + Lid

STATE Bags Rodgers Insulated Lunchbox – Rainbow

The Kid Who Can Chore Chart

More Back to School Tips

Montessori Educator & Principal, Gavin McCormack shares 8 essential life skills to teach your child in our article on 8 ways to help your child flourish at school (and life).

Starting at school is a huge milestone for your child. Although it’s an exciting time, it can also be filled with fear and anxiety. Here are 10 steps to help you ensure your child feels confident, safe and happy in our article 10 tips to help your child adjust to school.