This year I will have three kids at the same elementary school since my youngest daughter is starting Kindergarten. In some ways this will make my life easier as I no longer will have to drop my twins off at elementary school and my youngest off at preschool. However, my kids will be on an earlier schedule, so rather than dropping off at 9am we will need to be there at 8:30. I have been looking for ways to simplify our morning routine so we can get to school on time and have more relaxed mornings. Since my kids will all have homework after school, I need to make our after school routine streamlined as well. If you are facing similar challenges, you'll want to check out these tips to create a stress free morning and after school routine. For more ways to make life easier, check out Tips to Teach Kids to Use the Dishwasher.
Tips for a stress free morning
1. Dressed before breakfast
I have my kids get dressed, including socks and shoes, before they sit down at the breakfast table. My kids wake up hungry and they get dressed quicker when they know they need to be ready before they can eat. Before I did this, I was rushing my kids as we were heading out the door to put their shoes on. This would be a stressful situation for us all.
2. Prepare lunches the night before
I find that I am less frazzled in the mornings if I get the kids' lunches ready before heading to bed the night before. Obviously, you cannot always do this for every aspect of the meal, but prep as much as you can ahead of time.
3. Backpacks prepped and by the door
Before they go to bed at night, I have my kids put everything they will need for the next day in their backpacks. This eliminates the last minute running around in the morning looking for a book. In addition to taking stress out of the morning routine, this teaches kids responsibility for their belongings.
4. Simplify the breakfast routine
It is so important for kids to go to school with a full belly and fuel for school. Set out cereals and milk or frozen waffles or syrup that kids can prepare themselves.
Tips for a Stress Free Afternoon
1. Everything in its place
As soon as my kids get home from school they unzip their lunch bags and place the items in the sink/dishwasher for cleaning. They then return their lunch bags to where they belong. We also put our backpacks in a central location where they can be checked for any notes.
2. Easy Snacks
Have a basket of easy snacks that kids can grab when they come from school. You can fill this will healthy options such as fruit, nuts (if not allergic) and string cheese.
3. Homework before play
We have tried this the other way around and the kids just do not want to stop playing to do homework. Can you blame them? This would result in me turning into a nagging mom, which is no fun. Our homework is given out on Monday and due back on Friday, so we do a little bit at a time each day and then we PLAY!
I hope these tips will help you get the school year off to a good start.How do you create a stress free morning and after school routine? I would love to hear your tips!
I hope you find these tips to Create a Stress Free Morning and After School Routine helpful.
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