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
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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.