By Michael Klinkner
School mornings can be a whirlwind of activity, often leaving families feeling frazzled before the
day even begins. However, with a bit of planning and some strategic changes, mornings can
become smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some practical tips to transform chaotic school mornings into a calm and organized
routine.
Preparation the Night Before
Lay out clothes: Avoid the morning scramble by laying out clothes the night before.
Encourage children to choose their outfits, including socks, shoes and accessories. This
reduces decision-making in the morning and ensures everyone knows where to find their
essentials.
Pack lunches and backpacks: Prepare lunches and snacks the night before, and have
children pack their backpacks with completed homework, school supplies and any
extracurricular gear prior to bed. Store backpacks by the door for an easy grab-and-go.
Create a to-do list: For older children, a simple checklist of morning tasks can be a
game-changer. Write down what needs to be done, such as brushing teeth, making the
bed and getting dressed, along with other essential morning tasks. This practice helps
kids stay on track without constant parental reminders and builds autonomy which will
serve them into adulthood.
Establish a Morning Routine
Set a regular wake-up time: Consistency is key to building a smooth morning routine.
Set a regular wake-up time that allows everyone enough time to get ready without
rushing. Use gentle alarm clocks or wake-up lights to make the process more pleasant.
Have a clear routine: Establish a clear sequence of morning activities. For example:
wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth and gather belongings. Visual
schedules with pictures can be helpful for younger children who may need a graphic
guide.
Plan simple, nutritious meals: Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. Opt for easy,
healthy options like yogurt with granola, fruit smoothies or whole-grain toast with nut
butter. Prepping breakfast items the night before can save precious time in the morning.
Create a breakfast station: Set up a breakfast station with bowls, spoons and ready-to-
eat items. This allows older children to help themselves and fosters independence,
reducing the morning workload for parents.
Streamline Bathroom Routines
Organize bathroom supplies: Keep bathroom essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste
and hairbrushes in easily accessible spots. Having a designated place for everything
reduces the time spent searching for items in the morning too.
Use a timer: For children who tend to linger in the bathroom, a timer can be an effective
way to keep things on track. Set a reasonable amount of time for each task to ensure
everyone stays on schedule.
Minimize Morning Decisions
Create a weekly planner: Use a whiteboard or a planner to outline the week's schedule,
including any special events, extracurricular activities or changes in routine. This helps
everyone know what to expect and reduces last-minute surprises and stressors.
Limit screen time: Avoid turning on screens in the morning, including TVs, iPads and
phones. These can be distracting and slow down the process of getting ready. It also
minimizes the battle of getting your child off of the screens if they are running behind.
Foster Independence and Reward Success
Encourage responsibility: Assign age-appropriate tasks to each child. Younger children
can help set the table for breakfast, while older ones can take responsibility for making
their beds and ensuring backpacks are ready to go.
Teach time management: Gradually teach children to manage their time effectively. Use
tools like visual timers or clocks to help them understand how long tasks should take and
encourage them to stay on track.
Reward good behavior: Use a reward system to motivate children. For younger kids,
stickers, a small treat or extra playtime can be incentives for completing morning
routines efficiently and without fuss. For older children, extra screen time later in the day
or a later bedtime can be effective reward options.
Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude, even when things don’t go as planned. A calm,
encouraging approach helps children feel more confident and less stressed, setting a
positive tone for the day. Kids model what they see. If parents are stressed and yelling in
the morning, kids will follow suit.
By implementing some – or all – of these strategies, families can transform hectic school
mornings into a smoother, more organized experience. Preparation, routine and fostering
independence are key elements in reducing morning chaos. With a little planning and
consistency, school mornings can become a time of connection and calmness, in turn setting a
positive tone for the rest of the day.
Michael Klinkner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience
working with parenting, child and teen issues. His expertise includes behavioral problems,
ADHD, anxiety, depression and trauma. Klinkner provides individual, group and family therapy
to children, adolescents and adults through virtual or in-person sessions at his office located at
3235 N. Washington St., Suite 107 in Chandler, Ariz. 85225. The office has night and weekend
hours to accommodate busy schedules. For more information, visit klinknercounseling.com
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