All parents have suffered through those hectic school mornings. Getting ourselves and our children ready on time is often challenging. Here are some pointers adopted by successful parents to overcome those chaotic times.
Get enough sleep the night before. Your children should have a regular routine for going to bed at night with that routine including a regular time to get to bed and praying together. There should not be any exceptions on a school night. Children need adequate sleep and if they are not getting it, their performance at home and in school will show it.
Prepare, prepare, prepare the night before. Preparation is the key to a smooth sailing morning. Consider all the tasks that need to be done in the morning and prepare the night before for them so that they can be accomplished easily that morning. Remember to get your children involved in all the preparations so that they learn what needs to be done and can take over when they are able to. Select your children’s clothing. If they take a lunch to school, prepare their lunches that night or at least double check to make sure you have all the ingredients. Pack the lunch kits when possible. Have their bookbags ready with the completed homework and anything else that they will need the next day. Make sure to double check whether they need any materials for school – such as pencils or notebooks. All those can be packed that night as well. Don’t forget about their breakfasts. Prepare ahead of time to ensure that that they have healthy food to eat.
Have a checklist, just in case. I’m a person who loves checklists but they have to be manageable. Having a short list for each child to do will help you (and them) to better prepare.
Wake up before your children. You, as a parent, have important tasks that you need to get done in the morning too, including having some quiet time to pray. It is best that your tasks are completed (or almost completed) before you take on helping your children to get ready. Waking up before your children will give you the ability to do what you need to do and be ready when they get up. When they do wake up, pray with them to help them start the day with a thankful heart and direction.
Organize your home. Everything needs its place in your home. Lunch kits in one area, school related items in another area, etc., etc. Being organized will help you and your children get prepared quickly and efficiently.
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