Posted on September 20, 2011 by Kathryn

When school starts back after the summer, the morning routine can be very demanding and stressful for the whole family. Most households are chaotic from the moment they wake the kids to the moment they drop them off at daycare or wave good-bye to them on the bus.

Do you often think, “OMG, get me out of here!”?

If your house is anything like mine used to be, mornings were one of the most stressful times of the day. There was bickering, fighting, and sometimes even crying. Can you relate?

How would you like to have a peaceful morning where everyone moves through the routine with grace and ease? That’s how the mornings in our household are now, for the most part, calm.

We created a routine that works for our family. Of course we are human and not always does our morning routine work and chaos takes over. The next morning, we get back into the routine.

Here is our time tested morning routine. This routine was created, tested, recreated, adjusted and continues to adjust as our family needs have changed.

Remember, to stick to the routine and stand by the routine even in the face of difficulties. If you waiver, your children will not trust that you will follow through with consequences and they will not benefit from the experience a schedule will bring.

First, create a ‘Family Schedule’: Go online and download a calendar or purchase a desktop calendar from your local office supply store. Mark all the after school and work activities for each family member on the calendar. Be sure to schedule time for homework and don’t forget to mark down dentist or doctor appointments.

Second, be vigilant and refer to this schedule everyday: Check this schedule each evening and plan for the next day. Figure out then which adult will take the kids to their after school activity or appointment.

Third, get, as much done the night before as you can. Gather and prepare all the kids “stuff” and place it by the door. Each child can help you make their lunch or they can make it on their own if they are old enough. If you have pets, like Marvin, you may want to put the lunches up high so no one can steal it in the night! LOL

Fourth, create a master list of all regular items the kids will need for their day ahead: Include items like, homework, gym cloths, runners, mitts, or hats etc. List anything the kids may need for after school activities, too. Post this on the fridge and take a few minutes every morning to review the items with your kids.

Fifth, create the morning “To Do” list: These are the things that need to be done like, shower or wash hair, brush teeth, tidy bedroom or pack lunch into backpack, etc. Post the “To Do” list in the bedroom or bathroom, or anywhere that will help the kids to know what to do next. This will help stop you sounding like a broken record.

All these time saving ideas will make for an easy morning routine. It may all look like a lot of work in the beginning, trust me, once you do it, you will be amazed at the time you can save. With a little patience, you and your family will be working together and enjoying your mornings. Good luck!

Leave a comment. Let us know how your routine works and give us some ideas. We love to hear from you!

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