Get your kids ready for school in the morning with ease. Beginning with waking up and dressing, having breakfast and preparing lunches, through to heading out the door on time.
Whether you have one child or four children, the morning at home prior to leaving for school can be stressful. If you and your child are organized and know what steps must be taken, this early morning rush hour can be hassle free and fun.
Begin by ensuring your child has had a good sleep. Parents can tell when their child has gone to bed too late the night before. Be strict with bedtime hours, as a tired child is less willing to follow the morning routine.
If possible, allow your child to wake on his own. He will feel happier if his sleep has ended naturally, rather than being interrupted to rise for school.
Develop a routine for these school mornings. Routine becomes habit, which will eventually require less repeating on the parent's part and more natural action on the child's part.
Once your child has awoken, gone to the washroom and refreshed himself, have him get dressed for school. If your child has trouble choosing clothes in the morning, assist him night before in laying out the next day's items.
By getting dressed prior to eating, you have given the child an opportunity to wake up fully as well as develop a hunger and desire for breakfast. It also provides you with an opportunity to judge how much time you have between breakfast and leaving for school.
Breakfast is very important for the child that is heading to school. You don't want him feeling hungry when he should be concentrating.
Breakfast can be simple, hot or cold. A bowl of cereal, toast/bagel/english muffin with condiments, fresh fruit, grilled cheese, scrambled/boiled/poached/fried eggs, french toast ... the choices are endless and easy to prepare. The idea is to give your child something that he likes and that is nutritious. The happier and more satisfied your child is, the more willing he is to cooperate (at home and at school). With everyone performing what is expected, there should be fewer hassles in the morning.
While your child is having his breakfast, prepare his lunch. This gives you an opportunity to perform another aspect on the morning rush hour, while spending time with your child as he eats.
After breakfast, have your child wash up. Make this a routine and it will become a habit for him. Have him wash his hands, face, brush his hair and teeth.
Once washed up, he can head to his bedroom and make his bed. The bed can also be made at the same time as the child is getting dressed. This will depend on how structured and willing your child is as soon as he wakes up.
While in his bedroom, your child can make sure his school bag contains all the necessary items for that day. This may include gym clothes and homework. It's a good idea to begin a routine with your child with respect to returning schoolwork into his bag as soon as it is completed. This eliminates the chance of missing something the next morning.
When you child is ready for school, have him bring his school bag, shoes, coat, etc. to the front door. At this point he can include his lunch bag. Double check with your child that he has everything he needs for that day.
If he has time to spare before he has to leave the house, why not sit and read together. This reading opportunity fills the time frame available and also gets him into a learning mode for school.
By following these simple guidelines, you will eliminate any morning rush hour hassles.
