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 so they can 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.
Plan time to talk.
Often, if kids are dragging their feet in the morning, it’s because they’re dreading something about the day ahead. It could be a test or a conflict with a peer, or it might be something else entirely. Look for signs of concerns 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 makes for a perfect way to start the day. That might be a protein-packed cereal and a banana or maybe a frozen breakfast burrito and cup of grapes.
— Family Features