Oh, no...here comes the bus. One kid can't find their shoe, the other can't find their backpack. What are you going to do? Everyone has had one of those days, right? Especially during the first few weeks of school when some families are struggling to get back into a school day routine.
What are some things that your family can do to make sure those mornings go smoothly and that everyone is on time?
- Breakfast! Everyone knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Be sure your kids get a good breakfast.
- Keep your backpacks in the same place every day. It doesn't matter if it is on a hook by the door, in the hall closet or on the floor by the front door. Keep them in the same spot every week day!
- Pick out clothes the night before and have them laying out. Make sure kids put their shoes in the same spot before they go to bed and they will be waiting in the morning. At our house, clothes go on the coffee table and shoes go underneath. This ends the last minute "I'm not wearing that!" and gives me time to wash that special shirt they forgot to tell me they have to wear tomorrow after they go to bed.
- Find out the night before whether they will be taking their lunch or eating lunch at school. If they are taking their lunch, plan what will be in their lunchbox before going to bed. This way Mom knows how many lunches she needs to pack when she wakes up!
- Get busy and lose track of time? Everyone has cell phones. Set an alarm to give you a 5 minute warning. This will give you time to make sure lunch boxes and backpacks are in hand and everyone has shoes on their feet. It will also allow you time to check and make sure everyone brushed their teeth!
We also keep the television turned off. If everyone gets ready and there is time before the bus comes, then the television might come on.
Whatever your family finds that works for you, make it a routine. Be sure to do the same thing every day and nothing will be missed. Eventually, you might find the kids doing it all on their own without being told. Hopefully, it will be before school gets out!
