Stick to a Routine
– It minimises the unexpected, which is often what results in the upset and tantrums.
– Getting out of the house on a morning ready for school or work will require the same jobs to be done each day (9 times out of 10). So where possible, do these jobs at the same time in the same order, so everyone knows what’s coming and what’s expected.
Ok, so children don’t perform like clockwork so some flexibility will be required, but having a general routine to stick to will ease the process.
You could even make picture prompt cards (age appropriate) to help with the morning routine. This may also aid your child to be as independent as possible (another way to make the morning easier for the parents – encouraging children to do as much themselves as they are able and is appropriate for their age).
If the morning isn’t going to plan and the kids are struggling to get motivated, some ideas for younger ones include having a race amongst siblings, who can get dressed first? Or perhaps playing an upbeat song for everyone to brush their teeth to.
Ideally get up and ready before your children get up (Especially if they are younger and you need to be hands on with getting them ready).
Sounds obviously but if you are running late everyday, set that alarm earlier. Even 5 minutes can make the morning less pressured.
Preparation is key!!!
Get as much ready as possible the night before, especially if you are not a morning person! This can include:
– pack lunches and drinks
– breakfast table laid
– clothes for the next day (some people get a weeks worth ready on a Sunday evening, you could make a pile for each day, or use a drawer system and put each days clothes in a labelled drawer).
– school bags / book bags /pe kits could be packed and ready by the door (including anything needed for that day – permission slips, library books, school trip items, homework projects).
Organisation
Create a command centre. A wall or space where all your tools for organisation and planning are kept together:
Calendar, to do list, to buy list (write on the list as soon as you run out of something so you don’t forget at the next shop), letters/bills, invitations, school/nursery term dates/info.
Write on the calendar (either a paper or electronic one) as soon as you find out about an event. Schools tends to send out newsletters with important dates on, parents evening, school plays, school fairs, write them on the calendar as soon as you’ve read this email.
If you receive any children’s party invitations, rsvp as soon as you get the invitation if you are able and then get it on the calendar. It’s one less thing to remember to do then and party organisers always appreciate a quick rsvp.
Join any parent or school Whatsapp/Facebook groups. They are great for any last minute reminders or for double checking information. Why not consider setting one up if there isn’t one running already?
Hopefully these little tips and tricks help to ease everyone back into the school term.
There’s a School uniform blog HERE full of great Mumbler tips and suggestions too, if that’s still on your to do list!
There’s also our packed lunch inspiration blog HERE.
Don’t forget to make the most of this last week of summer, the Mumbler website is full of ideas if you need some last minute inspiration HERE.
Best of luck!!!
