Heading back to school can be a real eye-opener when it comes to having a routine, but this year has been exceptionally different! For many families here in my little part of the country, our children have been out of traditional school for quite some time because of COVID. Many kiddos are heading back now to in-person school, so it’s time to get back into a routine! Here are my best mom tips to getting back into a smooth routine, and to make your mornings less hectic:
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Make Ahead breakfasts: Breakfast is the thing that can trip me up the fastest! Whether it’s a new recipe that takes much longer than anticipated, or realizing we are out of milk when we are heading out the door, making breakfast ahead of time makes my mornings much easier. Some of our favorite dishes are baked oatmeal, which like a cross between a cobbler and oatmeal, and it can be warmed up and eaten with a fork or even just on a paper towel. Another favorite is mason jar overnight oats! These can be customized with lots of berries, peanut butter, or even mini carob chips. Check out my favorite recipe here.
Making expectations clear: One super helpful thing to do is set little alarms or reminders on Alexa or a Google device to help your kids make transitions and feel less stressed. You can say things like “Set an alarm in 15 minutes” and remind them what tasks need to get done in that 15 minutes (like putting your shoes on, getting jackets or homework, etc). This is really helpful for younger kids, who may struggle to understand long lists of tasks without a sense of how long they will take. Visual lists on the fridge or doors can help, too.
Pack backpacks the night before. Make it a family rule that homework be completed (as much as possible, except maybe older students who may be up early studying for tests, etc) the night before. Then, pack backpacks up with all the papers that need to be turned in, books, and supplies the night before. Put lunches in the fridge with water bottles so that everything is cold and ready to go in the morning. Have kids help double check that their sports uniforms, shoes, or outfits are washed the night before and laid out.
Sit down as a family to help identify stressors: Sitting down as a family may help you see new ways you can support one another through the transitions of going back to school and/or work after being home or virtually learning for several months. It can be hard on each member of the family, and sitting down gives you all a chance to express your emotions. Be an active listener and try to understand if your children are extra emotional or having a hard time with the newer schedule and routine. Help one another brainstorm ways to help out or emotionally support the changes!
