Ease the Morning Rush

As the school year approaches, many parents are dreading the hectic mornings that often come along with it. How can you get everyone up, dressed, fed, and out the door on time with their lunches, notes to the teacher, homework, musical instrument, library book, gym shoes, and so on? Follow these tips to ensure easier, happier, less stressful mornings that you can actually enjoy with your children.

• Charts – Create a chart for each of your children that lists all of the things that need to get done each morning and after school, categorized by day of the week. Some tasks, like going through daily folders and mail, cleaning out lunch boxes, and doing homework will be on each of the days, while other tasks, like return library book or bring gym shoes, will only occur on some of the days. Post this “master list” near where they store their coats and backpacks. Remind them to check their chart after school each day and before they head out the door each morning.

• The Night Before – Look ahead to the next day to be sure lunches and snacks are packed and see what activities are scheduled. Then pack up most things the night before (lunches, snacks, homework and paperwork). Clothes are the same; planning out outfits the night before will prevent the indecision, or “I need to wear this and it’s dirty” problem.

• Morning Time – If you have a child who has a hard time getting out of bed in a timely manner, provide them an incentive like extra playtime. Even if it is 5 minutes, kids enjoy being able to do what THEY want. If you find your child is having a tough time ending playtime when it is time to leave, simply set a timer and when it goes off, it’s time to stop. If they cannot stop, they lose their playtime for the next morning.

• Getting Out the Door – Before playtime in the morning, have your children be responsible for lining up everything they need at the door. When it is time to go, there are no excuses for not being prepared.

It sounds like a lot, but kids secretly crave routines and structure. After doing this for a week, they will be pros and it will take no time at all. I find it much easier for me to ask them once if they have checked their chart, rather than nag at them for each of the items on the chart. It has made a huge difference in our morning routine – give it a try and see for yourself!

– Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.

For more organizational tips and ideas visit Organize-It.