4 Tips to Make your mornings less hectic

November 22, 2024 by Jodi Hogan, B.A.

By Parent Coach Jodi Hogan

How often have you found yourself racing around in the morning to find your child’s missing shoe or lunchbox? Are you asking him for the 5th time if he has brushed his teeth? I have often found my morning routine turned upside down by my kids’ time blindness and disorganization before school. Finding time to help your child get going in the morning can be frustrating and chaotic, especially when the clock is running and you have somewhere to be. I want you to know you aren’t alone—and it can absolutely be improved upon!

Establishing a smooth morning routine can set a positive tone for the entire day.

Here are four tips to help improve your child’s morning routine, making it less stressful for both kids and parents:

Tip #1: Create and Post a Visual Schedule:

Use a chart or checklist that outlines the morning routine step by step (e.g., wake up, brush teeth, get dressed). Visual aids can help your child stay on track and provide a sense of accomplishment as they check off tasks. Having your younger child put a sticker or a checkmark on the list creates a sense of accomplishment for getting the tasks done. For older kids, having a list posted by the door or their backpack where they can’t miss it can be a great way to ensure they have everything and are ready to take off for the day.

Tip #2: Prepare for the Day the Night Before:

Reduce morning chaos by picking out clothes, packing lunches, and organizing school bags the night before. Make sure their homework and permission slips are packed away in their backpacks. Have them leave their shoes by the front door. Doing these little things the night before helps minimize decisions and distractions in the morning. It may seem like a pain to add another thing to your nighttime routine, but you will be glad you got a jump on things in the morning.

Tip #3: Timers and Reminders are your Friend:

Use timers or alarms to signal transitions between tasks (e.g., “Time to brush teeth!”). Time timersare a must-have in our house—both for the alarm that sounds when time’s up and so the kids can see the time ticking down. When your kids get distracted, they easily lose track of time and fall behind. Having an alarm sound creates a sense of urgency and helps your child manage their time more effectively.

Tip #4: Build in Extra Time:

Give yourself extra time in the morning so that if something goes wrong, you have cushioning for that “surprise” and still stay on track. This little bit of extra time will reduce the stress you may experience without the buffer. It will also give your child a chance to complete their routine at a more appropriate pace.

Remember—“Parent the Child you Have” and meet them where they are so they can feel successful!