The Importance of a Morning Routine Before School

An alarm clock

At the beginning of the school year, we can buy our children an alarm clock. It’s a good time to start to transfer new responsibilities to them, such as waking up on their own and getting ready on time.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we should forget about them and leave them to fend for themselves. Most kids still need a reminder (or several) before they actually get up, but it’s still a first step in encouraging responsibility and autonomy.

During the first week that children use an alarm clock, parents should pay attention to how well they handle it. We need to wake them up, even though the alarm goes off. Also, we need to make sure they get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, and brush their teeth, etc.

As children get more used to their alarm clock ringing and having a fixed time that they set, we can let them sleep a little longer. We just need to make sure they have enough time to get dressed, eat, grab their things, and be ready to go.

As for children who take the bus to school, we need to make sure they get to the bus stop on time. If you take them yourselves, then you have a bit more flexibility in the morning.

Making the morning routine visible

Posting your child’s morning routine somewhere in the house is a great way to keep kids on track. Below, we’ll offer some specific recommendations according to age.

Small children (especially pre-readers)

When it comes to small children, it’s best to use pictures rather than just a written list of tasks. That way, even if they can’t read, children have a visual reminder of what they need to do. As they finish each task, they check it off on the board, which makes it more fun and boosts their sense of accomplishment.

Below is a list of pictures we suggest for each activity:

• Getting dressed – You can use pictures of pants, a shirt, socks, shoes, etc. If your child uses a uniform, you can even use a picture of your child wearing it.
• Breakfast – A picture of food.
• Tooth brushing – You can use a picture of a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• What to bring to school – Here you can include a picture of a backpack, a lunch box, or whatever else your child takes to school each day. Just a hint – mornings can be much less hectic if children pack their backpacks the night before!

Older children who know how to read

When it comes to older children, you probably don’t need to use pictures. Just the same, you can hang a written list in several places around the house… their bedroom, the bathroom, the refrigerator, the front door, etc. That way, they don’t have to go back to their bedroom a million times to see what task comes next.

The importance of eating a healthy breakfast before school

Nutrition experts and medical doctors alike agree on the importance and benefits of eating breakfast every morning. Breakfast gives children the energy they need after a long night of not eating (literally, fasting). When kids eat a good breakfast in the morning, they’re better able to concentrate at school.

Of course, sometimes children don’t feel like eating a big breakfast in the morning. In that case, then parents need to find healthy alternatives to make sure their children get the nutrients they need. This is your chance to be as creative and imaginative as you want.

Creating and maintaining a good morning routine is fundamental in preparing kids for a good day at school. What’s more, once you get started, it’s fun to follow a routine. In fact, your entire family will come to rely on their routine because it makes their lives so much easier.

Routines are always helpful. In this case, they help kids know how to stay organized and get ready for school without having to think about it. These routines will become smoother and more automatic as time goes by, and eventually become part of your child’s daily life.