Making school mornings more manageable
October 2024
(photo courtesy Shutterstock)
story courtesy of Family Features
Getting a family up and out the door before the school bell rings is no small task. Sometimes, it can even seem impossible, especially when encountering unexpected events like a wardrobe mishap or even an overflowing toilet.
This year, make mornings run more smoothly with these tips from the experts at American Standard, who know all about the best tools for operating a successful household.
WORK AHEAD, STARTING YOUR MORNING BEFORE BED
You can lay the foundation for a successful morning before the new day even arrives. Spend time planning for the day ahead before tucking little ones in for the night. Choose outfits, track down missing shoes, and verify homework is done and in backpacks, before they turn in for the night. Taking time to troubleshoot in the evening can save precious minutes in the morning.
STICK TO A STANDARD WAKE-UP ROUTINE
Getting kids out of bed when the alarm rings is only half the battle; getting them in motion is the next step. Help your little ones build effective habits to start preparing for the day while they’re still shaking away the lingering sleepiness. Lay out a sequence of events they’ll do every morning, such as visiting the bathroom, brushing teeth and hair, getting dressed, making the bed and eating a balanced breakfast. Encouraging these habits builds independence and self-esteem while helping your mornings move faster.
CUT BACK ON MESSY MOMENTS
Supervising every moment of your child’s get-ready routine is virtually impossible, but outfitting your floors and surfaces with the right equipment can make those moments out of sight less concerning. For example, school-aged kids might expect privacy in the bathroom, but they’re not immune to a bit of mischief and keeping things tidy is rarely their top priority. Make sure your bathroom has plenty of easily cleanable surfaces and washable materials.
PLAN TIME TO TALK
Often, if kids are dragging their feet in the morning, they dread something about the day ahead. It could be a test or a conflict with a peer or something else entirely. Look for signs of concern and offer an open environment where kids can share their worries with you even when time is tight. Talking about concerns after school is a smart way to tackle worries when they’re fresh, but reinforcing those conversations in the morning can send kids out the door more confidently.
EMBRACE SIMPLICITY AND PROVIDE NUTRITION
Trying to cram too much into the morning can set you up for struggles. Avoid piling on too many morning chores and aim for basic breakfasts that provide the necessary fuel to start the day without extra fuss. A well-rounded breakfast with grains, protein and some fresh fruit is a perfect way to start the day. That might be a protein-packed cereal and a banana, or a frozen breakfast burrito and cup of grapes.