Top tips for a smooth sailing morning routine when you have kids

Sleeping in, losing vital components of the school uniform and last minute packed lunches are every day occurrences in many family homes. The morning routine can be a dreaded affair, but there are some simple changes you can make here and there to make it a lot more smooth sailing. Read on for some top tips from a senior school in London.

Firstly, try and get everything sorted the night before. School bags should be pack, homework should be complete, letters should be signed and lunches should be made before you all go to bed. This is easier said than done, particularly when all you want to do after a long day is slob out on the sofa, but being organised and preparing the night before will make the school run a lot easier, which will set you up for a positive and successful day. You should also stick to a sensible bed time – and that goes for both you and your kids. If you don’t go to bed at a reasonable hour then you’re far more likely to hit the snooze button a few times in the morning.

Try and get up and dressed before the kids so that you don’t end up juggling getting yourself ready and helping them. You’ll also have time to grab a cup of coffee before all the chaos begins and make sure everything you need for work is ready by the door.

There should be no distractions in the morning, like the TV or a gaming device, as this will only delay your child and make everyone late. However, you could use technology as an incentive and allow your child to use it as long as they are completely ready to go. If this doesn’t work, use another incentive such as a reward chart.

Good luck!

*this is a collaborative post