It's time to get started with some new routines as the school year begins. Whether you have toddlers starting preschool or newbies (young infants) who will be tagging along as their older siblings get ready for the big day..everyone needs to have a plan.
The new routines should start the night before at bedtime. Start to include new aspects into the bedtime routine such as discussing the next morning and what you will expect of your child. They should know that when their alarm goes off or when you come into the room that means it's time to wake up and begin to prepare for leaving the house. Many kids have trouble with getting up in the AM. A few ways to help young children rise and shine is to have a favorite song you can sing when you go into the room or pretend to be a funny character. Kids will respond best to a happy and energetic wake up call. Singing and laughing as you go to open the shades will help the kids to start the day in a positive space and that frame of mind will stay with them throughout the day.
Help the kids to get excited for school by giving them a few choices for their outfit the next day. It should all be laid out, from top to bottom, including socks, shoes and hair accessories. This way in the morning you can say "time to get up and put on the clothes you picked out!!" Choices help the kids to feel involved and not so overwhelmed by all the changes. Even toddlers love to feel that they helped get ready for the day.
As the morning routine moves out of the sleep space you will want to have an idea of what everyone will be having for breakfast as well as a designated spot for the kids backpacks, shoes and jackets.
With each of these aspects of the morning planned ahead of time it will greatly decrease everyone's stress.
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