Okay, school has been back for a week already. We've been, slowly, trying to find our way into a normal daily routine. Are you looking for a simple way to have a smoother morning routine? I've got a printable school morning routine chart that is going to help! An essential back to school tip for all parents.
I decided instead of repeatedly reminding my girls of what I expect of them, I would simply write up and post our school year morning routine and after-school. Posting our summer house rules works in the summertime. We all agree to a set of items involved in our before and after school routine, and things run a whole lot smoother.
School Morning Routine Chart
Our morning routine looks something like this...
Wake up
Use the washroom
Get dressed
Come downstairs
Eat breakfast
Brush hair
Play, read, whatever
Brush teeth
Shoes, coats, bag and ready to go!
After-School Routine Chart
Our after-school routine looks like this...
Come home
Have a snack
Get out homework and get to work
20 minutes of computer time per kid
Set and clear the dinner table
Hang out for the evening
Bath/shower/brush teeth
Pick out tomorrow's outfit
P.J's on, read in bed until it's time to be tucked in
Zzzzz...
By simply printing and posting this routine on our bulletin board in our dining room, we will all have a clear reminder of what is expected of everyone. There isn't anything too revolutionary in our routine. It's just a regular, easy-going routine. But, by everyone agreeing to it and by posting, I am not constantly saying "Did you brush your hair?" "Did you pick out tomorrow's outfit?" It makes the school year run a little more smoothly.
Find our free printable school morning routine and after-school routine chart here.
You could print and hang the checklist on your fridge or in your own home organization area. Just be sure that everyone sees it, knows what is on the list and understands what the expectations are.
If your kids are encouraged by rewards, then you could add a reward component. Maybe at the end of each day or week you could recognize you child's efforts to follow the routine with some sort of reward. It could be a snack, more screen time or a special treat.
What do you think? Do you think having a posted morning routine will help in your house? I know it helped in ours!
Be sure to check out all of our awesome back to school activities for kids of all ages. Let's make this school year the best one yet!
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Natalie F says
Great tips. We are using similar approach here for our daughter. I really need to enforce outfit picking, since we are usually scrambling in the morning to decide what to wear.
Anna@The Measured Mom says
We're working at establishing a good routine at our house - we have one, but sometimes a screaming toddler upsets it! And soon a new baby will also cause some upset... I like the idea of posting it so everyone's accountable and accepting. I have just one reader, but I'm sure I could design one using pictures. I shared this on my Facebook page as part of the KBN shout out (I'm a little behind, sorry!).