How to create a calm morning routine for school

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Do your mornings feel like rushed and chaotic struggles to get everyone in your household out the door on time? Does it feel like someone is always forgetting something or you are always running late? If this is true for you, you are not alone! Many people struggle with mornings, but finding a routine can help combat some of chaos, creating a calmer, more manageable start to the day.

Routines have broad mental health benefits, including reducing stress and increasing the amount of energy available for the day. For families, having a morning routine can help reduce power struggles and build a sense of stability and security for kids, as they know what to expect from one day to another. Including a time for prayer or short devotion can help center the day on the Lord and his goodness.

Below are some ideas you might try to help build a routine that works for you and your family.

• Know your child’s needs. Some kids are “get-up-and-go” and some are “slow-go.” A slow morning might be counterproductive for some, as they get distracted by engaging in other activities. For others, a quick start before leaving for the day may create stress, as they feel rushed and hurried. Pacing the morning to meet your child’s natural rhythm is a good place to start.
• Start the night before. Before bedtime, help your child prepare for the next day as much as possible. This might include choosing tomorrow’s clothing; preparing and packing a lunch; or gathering school assignments and materials, putting them in backpacks, and placing backpacks near the door. These steps reduce the decisions and things to remember in the morning, making getting out the door on time less stressful.
• Wake up at the same time each day. For adults and children, a consistent bedtime and wake up time helps circadian rhythms remain constant throughout the week. As children get older, promote self-responsibility by encouraging the use of an alarm clock. Help your child to become aware of their needs in the morning and set their wake-up times accordingly.
• Avoid morning screen time. As tempting as it might be to use screen time as a reward for staying on track, it can be hard for some kids to put away the screen when it’s time to go. This can lead to power struggles or battles right when you need to leave. In addition, it can be easy to lose track of time when using screens, which can cause you to be late.
• Build a faith-filled foundation for the day. Starting the day with the Lord can help set a faith-filled, positive tone for the day. Share a short Bible verse, play worship music at home or in the car, or say a short prayer asking for God’s help throughout the day. These small acts can help parents and children enter a new day knowing the Lord is with them, no matter what they may face.

It can be hard to implement a new morning routine if there hasn’t been one in the past, but don’t let that discourage you! Start with one or two of the above tips to work on consistently. With time, you and your child(ren) will adapt, and mornings can become easier for everyone!

References:
https://mentalhealthcenterkids.com/blogs/articles/research-on-daily-routines-and-their-role-in-helping-children-thrive
https://childmind.org/article/school-mornings-without-the-stress/