Creating a morning routine can help everyone in your family get out the door in a stress-free, timely manner. One of the best ways to start the day for both parents and children is with a structured routine. Here are a few tips to get started.

Prep The Night Before

Everything will run much smoother in the morning if you prepare a few things the night before. Before your child goes to bed, let them pick out their clothes for the next day, or at least keep a selection of simple options out so they can quickly choose in the morning. They’ll love being a part of the decision-making process and it gives them a little control over the morning routine.

Make sure their school bag is also packed for the next day. Older kids may need books, homework, and other school materials, but younger children may need special snacks and favorite items. Designate an area near the front door for backpacks to keep all the essentials so you aren’t running around trying to find them the next morning. And after your child is showered and asleep, try to take a couple minutes to pack lunches and snacks.

Wake Up Earlier

It can be tough to wake up early, but even setting your alarm fifteen to thirty minutes before your children wake up will make all the difference in your morning routine. The best way to start a child’s day is with a happy and alert parent. Also, waking up with enough time before the kids will set yourself up for success.

This is also a great time to wrap up the extra tidbits you may not have gotten a chance to do the night before. If you’re already preparing breakfast, multitask with lunch and snacks. Double check packed bags or do a last minute clean up for things you may have missed.

Find A Mindful Moment

Once the kids are awake, dressed, and happily fed, take a moment to practice a mindful moment. The teachers at Raising Arizona Preschool use mindfulness techniques in each of our classrooms to help sharpen a child’s ability to concentrate and reduce stress and anxiety. Taking a collective moment at home as a family unit can help not only set intentions for the day, but help calm down any cranky early birds and strengthen relationships with the whole family.

However, if you run out of time before hitting the road, don’t worry – Raising Arizona Preschool encourages families to take a mindful moment at the campus before parting ways. This way both parents and kids can experience the benefits of a daily mindful moment.

The Commute
Morning routines aren’t complete without a family commute. Like any commute, make sure you have a clear idea of the best way to get to your destination with the least amount of traffic. And leaving earlier than necessary is a great way to make sure no one runs late, and blood pressures stay low.

Once you load all the kids in the car, buckle all seatbelts, and strapped in all carseats, let the kids have a say in what you listen to on the way to school. Sing alongs are a great way to keep the kids off screens so early in the day, and can be another great bonding experience.

For parents on public transportation, make sure to find a way to keep the kids occupied and in their seats. Sometimes early morning screen time is necessary, but it can also be a great way to learn the value of people watching and practice their newly tuned concentration skills.

The Drop Off

Depending on the ages of the kids, you may need to make a number of pit stops before the commute is over. Make sure no matter where you head first, everyone knows exactly where they need to go and where they need to meet up after school. If the kids are older, consider sending them off on the school bus and meeting them at the bus stop in the afternoon. Younger children should always be walked through the front doors to make sure the teachers check them in.

As mentioned, Raising Arizona encourages parent-child mindful moments befodrop-offhing the drop off. Take the time to partake in the morning breathing exercises that will help students regulate their emotions for a successful day. Before you know it, the morning routine with the kids draws to an end, and both parents and kids can look forward to a day of success.