Keep Mornings Peaceful With a Nightly Routine
August 20, 2008 by Sarah
Filed under Read These!
This post is recycled from last year. I’m doing my part for the environment.
We have recently started back to school. This year, I don’t actually have to get up and get my three children ready and out the door by 7:30, like I did last year. I am anything but a morning person, so for me to wake my not-morning-people kids is a bit of a challenge. I’ve found that sticking to a nightly routine is the best way to make sure things go smoothly with a 6, 4 and 2 year-old in the morning.
So my tip is to get toddlers and young children to stick to a nightly routine. I made a checklist for each task they have before bed. These include:
- Homework/ Reading
- Get pajamas on
- Set out tomorrow’s clothes
- Decide what you’re having for lunch
- Brush Teeth
Download this in Microsoft Word! Nightly Routine.doc
The most important aspect of this checklist is that it is in pictures. This way, my pre-schooler can follow along as well as the first grader. They simply love checking these things off, and the best part is that I don’t have to nag about each thing! They can never say “You didn’t tell me to do that!” or “I forgot.” Now, each morning, they have all their clothes out, so I just have to slide them on sleepy bodies.
I use the checklist each week to award allowance. They also have to clean their room on Saturday. If being prepared isn’t a great motivator, money usually does the trick!
So, do you use a nightly routine, and how do you tackle getting ready in the morning?
A nightly routine is a great idea! I need to do that since we are not morning people around here either.
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You go Miss “way to organized” mommy! I give you the prize. As for me, after 19 years of doing lunches and backpacks, I’m just glad if my kids make it school without donning their pj’s! What a wonderful time of the year…
peace~elaine
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Sarah, what a gem. You’ve saved me having to make up my own checklist. I’ve been thinking about doing one for a few weeks! TFS!!! Hugs, Kym
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Hi, I think that sound great. I don’t have kids, but I think I’ll do this for my self. By the time it is time to go to bed I usually just pass out. Then in the morning I am unprepared. Thanks again for the sage advice.
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