Wow! This summer flew by and school is back in session for most of us! I have found that the best way to prevent "morning drama" is with a set routine and some organization. All summer, we have enjoyed not having a set bedtime. We stayed up late watching movies, then got up whenever.
So first and foremost, you should re-establish a set-in-stone bedtime.
Then, then try these 6 tips to help make mornings drama free:
1. ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT WAKE UP TIME AND THEN TURN SLEEPY HEADS INTO DANCING QUEENS (OR KINGS)!
Fun, upbeat music can transform a slow poke into an excited mover and shaker! Make a playlist of your kids' favorite tunes to help get them motivated for a great day!
Some of our favorites are:
"Happy" by Pharrell
"All Star" by Smash Mouth
"Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
"Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
"It's Gonna Be Great" from the Winnie the Pooh Soundtrack
"We Will Rock You" by Queen
"Stuck Like Glue" by Sugarland
"I'm On Top Of the World" by Imagine Dragons
"Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)" by Andy Grammer
"Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys
"Can't Stop the Feeling" — from the Trolls soundtrack by Justin Timberlake
"Firework" — Katy Perry
"What Makes You Beautiful" — One Direction
"Hurricane" from Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by The Vamps
"Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys
2. DRESS FOR SUCCESS!
Get them up and dressed and ready to begin school each day! Saturday or Sunday afternoons are a perfect time to plan clothes for the upcoming week. This makes life so much easier all week because there is no arguing about what to wear or wasting time to look for something. They probably won't need socks, belts, hair accessories, etc. but knowing which shorts and shirts to put on each day can help them get ready faster and stick to the routine. You can find organizers like this one at Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart, and others. Contact paper in different colors can be used to add the days of the week if desired.
2. CHECK OFF THE MORNING CHORES!
Make a checklist for each child of the chores that they are responsible to complete each day before beginning their school work. Include items to “Do At Home” (brush teeth, brush hair, eat breakfast, pack lunch box, etc) Be sure to include make your bed to this list. Click to see Why Bed Making Should Be a Top Priority for Your Child.
Click to get a FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST plus some cute encouraging notes to brighten their day!
3. PLAN AHEAD TO POWER UP!
Plan Breakfasts and/or Lunches on Sunday Afternoons to save time during the day. Create a breakfast menu for the week. Make a list of healthy and quick options and let the kids choose for each day. That way, you are giving them choices, while making sure it’s nutritional sound and giving you time to run to the store to be sure you have everything on hand for the morning. Get some ideas like Bacon Pancakes, Power Breakfasts, and Make-ahead Breakfasts ideas.
4. LUNCH BOX LOVE!
For many kids, a great lunch is the highlight of the day. Give the kids some menu choices and have them pack their lunch the night before. It's always fun to find a surprise treat or sweet note, so don't forget to sneak one in after they are in bed! There a lot of great websites for recipe ideas, such as our Kid’s Lunches Pinterest Board or 6 Inexpensive Back-to-School Nutrition Ideas.
See BACK TO LEARNING WITH FUN LUNCH IDEAS
5. PACK IT UP!
Make an After- School Checklist to make sure that lunch boxes are ready to go in the morning with all homework taken care of before bed. Every step you take the night before makes life a little easier for you in the morning!
6. REAP YOUR REWARD... HOW SWEET IT IS!
With a little organization and a schedule, you will be amazed at how quickly they can get all of their school work done! Put a jar with rewards (mason jars work great) in the kitchen. If your kids have a good morning, complete their morning chores & check list with no problems, and get all their school work done, they can pick a reward. Rewards can be things like extra computer or TV time... things your child will be excited about at the end of the day! Allowing for a little extra TV time is worth it if the mornings go smoothly!
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