8 Ways to Make Rushed School Mornings So Much Easier
Is there anything worse than the chaos of the school rush, the morning after morning? It seems like a relatively simple thing — getting everyone out the door before the bell rings — but in reality, there are so many variables that can mess with your plans. Our plan? To cut down on as many of those variables as possible.
Start Early
Get your kids back on their school schedule before school actually starts. Holidays mean later nights and indulgent sleep-ins — great, but not an option when school starts again! A week before school begins, set regular bedtimes and get your kids up at a decent hour.
Pack The Night Before
Get your kids in the habit of packing their own bags the night before, giving them a checklist of exactly what they need, if necessary (and if they can read).
Make it and Freeze it
So many snacks can be made in advance and then frozen, ready to pop into lunchboxes in the morning — cake pops, banana bread, muffins, frittatas and more. Even sandwiches can be made ahead and frozen! And in summer months, freeze a water bottle, too — by lunchtime, it’ll have thawed out but will still be cool.
Create A School Zone
Being organized means that everything has a home — so keep school-related items (like lunchboxes, backpacks and permission slips) in one place for ease and simplicity.
Make Breakfast DIY
Show your little ones how to make breakfast by themselves and you’ll save so much time. Leave cereal, milk, bowls, and spoons on the table, or show them where they can find yogurt and fruit. Easy!
Set Up a Family Calendar
We’ve all been there: it’s 8 am and you’ve only just realized your daughter needs a Halloween Costume… today. Or maybe you forgot that your partner can’t pick the kids up today because he’s got a big meeting (but too bad, because you’ve got one, too…). Using Gmail or another calendar app, sync everyone’s calendars so you’re all literally on the same page.
Make Breakfast DIY
Show your little ones how to make breakfast for themselves and you’ll save so much time. Leave cereal, milk, bowls, and spoons on the table, or show them where they can find yogurt and fruit. Easy!
Set Up a Family Calendar
We’ve all been there: it’s 8 am and you’ve only just realized your daughter needs a Book Week costume… today. Or maybe you forgot that your partner can’t pick the kids up today because he’s got a big meeting (but too bad, because you’ve got one, too…). Using Gmail or another calendar app, sync everyone’s calendars so you’re all literally on the same page.
Banish Screens
Screens really slow down school mornings, so either doesn’t let kids use them or save them for a treat once they’ve finished their morning routine (ie as a reward for being quick).
Parents Get Ready First
When everyone is trying to get ready at once, chaos happens. Wake up a little earlier than the kids and have your shower (and coffee). That way, by the time they’re out of bed, half your jobs will be done. And you’ll be caffeinated.
This article originally appeared on our sister site Homes to Love
