The idea of a fresh back-to-school morning routine at the start of the school year always feels hopeful, but a bit like it’s coming too soon as well. One day, we’re enjoying lazy summer mornings and the lack of hustle and bustle; the next, we’re scrambling to pack lunches, find missing shoes and trying to get everyone out the door on time, only to end up in the snare of traffic.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. My daughter is nine (what the hell?! Already?), and I still feel I have no idea how people expect me to act like an adult at this level. However, we’re all in this together, and a solid back-to-school morning routine can make mornings calmer and less stressful for both parents and children.
Disclosure: This article is an editorial partnership with adidas. Product was provided for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.
Look, I’m not selling you a pretty pipe dream; I’m offering practical, simple adjustments that make a world of difference. They work for me, and if some or one works for you, my job is done. That said, here’s how to create a back-to-school morning routine that works, empowering you to take control of your mornings.
1. Start in the Grocery Store
I keep hearing “pack healthy lunches”. Of course, we try, but more importantly, pack a lunch your child will eat (making lunches for picky eaters is something serious), and one that is practical for you to prepare in the morning. I’m not sure about you, but waking up to prepare a three-course meal isn’t something I’d do. However, if you buy things your child likes, prepare vegetables and fruits in a way they enjoy, or make them quickly in the morning so their lunch can be fresh, that sounds like a win to me.
2. Start with Evening Prep
Smooth mornings begin the night before. This means checking the shoes, the books, and the school agenda, laying out clothes (yes, even yours), and doing a quick tidy-up of the living room, family room, and kitchen so the day starts fresh. For instance, you can check if the backpacks are packed with the necessary books and assignments, lay out the school uniform or outfit, and ensure that the shoes are clean and ready to wear. Nothing sets your day going right like a tidy living room, family room and kitchen first thing in the morning.
3. Streamlining the Entryway
Shoes, and all types of gear; during winter, add jackets, boots, hats and gloves for everyone in the house. We recently moved from an apartment to a house, and I can already feel the chaos coming from a mile away, especially when winter arrives. I’m committing to a clean and functional space where everything has its designated place. Hooks, baskets, and a shoe tray go a long way.
4. Make that Schedule
I don’t seem to enjoy peace, as I’ve decided to start my workday much earlier, beginning on the first day of the school year. No matter, about two years ago, I bought an acrylic calendar for my fridge, and it was the best thing I have ever done, especially since I have an elementary school kid who participates in extracurricular activities. That calendar is where our lives live; appointments, special events, work schedules, everything. If it isn’t on the fridge, I know nothing about it.
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5. Arming Yourself with Spares
The first time my kid turned up at home without the hoodie she had left home with, and nothing to show for it but a shrug, I thought, “Missing clothes? What fresh hell is this?” Then it continued, especially during winter: toques, gloves… one time, she even came home with two left boots. The same brand and colour, but you get the point. Now, I arm myself against the madness by making sure we start with a few sets of gloves, hoodies and tams/toques.
6. Build in ‘Me Time’
I’ve built in 20 minutes to do a workout and/or get some quiet time (while my mind isn’t still muddled with sleep) to sip my coffee in silence. Morning ‘me time’ has been elusive this past decade, so evening or weekend workouts are sometimes moved around based on our schedules.
However, I am looking forward to building it more in the mornings this year since my only daughter is becoming increasingly independent each year (and let’s be honest, I am just starting to wake up a bit later). I can either get up earlier or grab some cute workout shoes to make morning drop-offs or evening pickups during the warmer months, or to get me from the gym to gymnastics practice drop-off.
To wrap up…
Back-to-school is always a stressful time, especially those first few weeks when everyone and everything is go-go-go. But with a bit of vim and vigour and organization, we’ll be back into the swing of it in no time. With a bit of preparation, a few upgrades, and a reminder to take care of yourself, too, your back-to-school morning routine can feel like a limitless transition and a fresh new chapter for everyone.
XO, Shandean
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