THL SECTION: C2O WITH KAREN HENKE: ARTICLES:
Developing a Morning Routine

Developing a Morning Routine
by Karen Henke

Mornings can be tough. I have had my share of foot tapping at the back door, willing my child to hustle. Dawdling children* are not the only problem. Deciding what to wear, discovering a shirt isn’t ironed or searching for keys can also get you off to a bad start. Here are a few tips to streamline the morning routine.

• Pack lunches the night before.
• Lay backpacks and briefcases by the back door
• Fill out forms or sign permission slips in the evening, not as the kids are flying out the door.
• Create a “Go Box.” Place things you need to take with you in that container. Things like your cell phone, library books to return or a package on the way to the post office are a few possibilities
• Establish a place for keys and use it every time
• Lay your clothes out the night before.
• Put the cereal bowls and boxes of cereal on the table before you go to bed. That will give you a little jumpstart and everyone can serve themselves.
• Get yourself ready first. Then you’ll have more time to help the kids.
• Allow enough time. If I get my kids up one hour before we leave, there’s plenty of time for dressing, breakfast and even a little extra time to review for the spelling test. If I try to get by with less time, we run into problems.

*Amy Susman-Stillman from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education and Development says, “Kids don’t have a sense of urgency. They are struggling with concepts of time. Time is a very abstract concept for kids.” (Star Tribune 10-17-06)

For children, this is a developmental thing! Establishing routines will help make your mornings more mellow while giving your kids some structure.

Copyright 2007 Come2Order

Karen Henke is the owner of Come2Order in Minneapolis, MN. Visit www.come2order2day.com and request a free Time-Savers Kit which is loaded with time-saving tips and services. And sign up for a subscription to the free monthly newsletter.