How to Create a Back-to-School Morning Routine Every Parent Needs

Can you believe that the back-to-school season is upon us already? Summer flies too fast when you are having fun and with the back-to-school season here comes the need to establish a morning routine that sets the tone for the entire day.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or adjusting to your first year of school mornings, having a solid routine in place can make all the difference. A well-organized morning routine not only helps you start the day on the right foot but also ensures that everyone in your household leaves the house feeling confident, calm, and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

So, let’s dive into creating a back-to-school morning routine that works for you and your family. Remember, this isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding what works best for your family.

1. Plan the Night Before

What’s the secret to a smooth morning? Preparation is key, and believe it or not, it starts the night before. By taking a few simple steps before bed, you can save precious time and reduce stress in the morning. Here are a few things to add to your night routine:

Lay Out Clothes: This seems so simple but honestly, it makes your morning easier and one less decision to make. Therefore lay out everyone’s clothes the night before. This also eliminates the frantic search for matching socks or a clean shirt.
Pack Lunches: If you have space in your fridge to do so, take the time to pack lunches for school or do as much as you can the night before. Whether it’s preparing sandwiches, chopping fruits and veggies, filling water bottles, or having lunches ready to go.
Organize Backpacks: Avoid the last-minute scramble to find the missing math homework or library book. Ensure that all homework, permission slips, and supplies are packed in backpacks and placed by the door.

2. Set a Consistent Wake-Up Time

Do you have a consistent wake-up time or is that only during the week? Establishing a consistent wake-up time, even on weekends, helps regulate your body’s internal clock. This makes waking up easier and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. However, if mornings are a struggle, try gradually adjusting bedtimes to ensure everyone is getting enough rest. Trust me, a well-rested child (and parent!) is much more likely to have a smooth, happy morning!

3. Create a Morning Checklist

A morning checklist can be a lifesaver, especially if you have younger children. I made a morning checklist for my son especially when he was younger because it can be hard for him to remember everything. Having a visual reminder of what needs to be done helps kids stay on track and builds independence. You can print off a free morning checklist I created in my free resource library or create a simple checklist that includes tasks like:

Brush teeth
Get dressed
Eat breakfast
Pack backpack
Put on shoes

Make the checklist fun by adding pictures or using colourful markers. You can even laminate it and use dry-erase markers to check off tasks each day.

4. Prioritize a Healthy Breakfast

If your child doesn’t have a breakfast program at the school, make sure you provide a nutritious breakfast. This helps fuel your children’s bodies and minds for the day ahead. However, mornings can be hectic, so it’s important to have quick and healthy breakfast options on hand such as:

Overnight Oats,
Smoothies,
Egg Muffins,
Cereal & Milk,
Fruit.

5. Build in Extra Time

Where did the time go? Even with the best-laid plans, mornings can sometimes throw you an unexpected curveball. Whether it’s a forgotten assignment or a meltdown over what to wear, it’s important to build in a little extra time for the unexpected. If possible, try to aim to be ready to walk out the door 10-15 minutes earlier than necessary. You will be happy to have this buffer time to help keep your stress levels down.

6. Involve Your Kids in the Routine

Your kids can be the key to making your back-to-school morning routine run smoothly, therefore, get your kids involved. It gives them a sense of power, ownership and responsibility. You can start by letting them choose their outfits, pick their breakfast, or even set their alarm clocks. Also, consider assigning a specific time to plan for the next day and play some music to make it fun. The more involved they are, the more likely they are to stick to the routine.

7. Stay Positive and Flexible

Mornings can be unpredictable, and no matter how much you can plan it out, things can switch on a dime. The most important thing to do when this happens is to stay positive and flexible. Try not to stress if something doesn’t go as planned. Instead, focus on the things that did go well and adjust your routine as needed. Remember, the goal is to create a calm and organized start to the day, not to strive for perfection.

Final Thoughts

Creating a back-to-school morning routine takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. As your kids grow, don’t forget to adjust the morning routine to cater to them now. Remember, routines don’t have to be rigid; they should work for you and your family. Adjust as needed and embrace the small victories along the way. Tell me, do you have a morning routine yet?

Related:

What’s your take? I welcome you to share yours below!

*This post contains no affiliate links. My opinions are 100% my own. For more information, see my disclosures page.*

Did you really think that is all? Of course not! Go on and explore. I’d love to share more with you. Check out my About page! I hope you have some time. I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment to say how much you enjoyed my post or even say hi. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube pages or even subscribe. Have a wonderfully creative week!