I think everyone is back in school at this point. Things may be in full swing for you or still just warming up. For my son the school year is very different this year because of a program he is in, but in years past it has been more like what most families have. Having a routine in place really made both of our mornings so much easier and even fun!
- Slow or Fast?
For each person in the house you need to know if they are a slow or fast person in the morning. If you have a slow moving child and you expect them to be ready in 5 minutes there will be a problem. Figure out truly how much time the kids, and you, need to comfortably get your morning routine done and adjust your alarm times accordingly. - Prepare at Night
Even though you may be exhausted at the end of the day, take a few minutes for everyone to get things ready at night. Repack the backpacks, sign permission slips, pick out a clean outfit, put both shoes by the front door, and pack a lunch if need be. - Get Dressed Last
For older kids this can be optional, but young kids spill often. If you get them dressed first then they have to eat – potential mess, drink – potential mess, brush their teeth – potential mess, etc. Let them make a mess in their pajamas rather than their school clothes. - What Are You Looking Forward To Game
While everyone is together in the kitchen preparing and eating breakfast, play a game. Each day take turns where everyone, including parents, tells one thing they are looking forward to about their day. It can be something small or giant. There is no right or wrong. This ties in nicely to playing Three Good Things at dinner each night also. - Breakfast
We hear it over and over, but breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Get the kids involved in planning breakfast each week by creating a menu to pick from ahead of time. Mix it up so they get variety (if you can – I know some kids want the same thing every day). Make the best choices that work for your family. For us, cereal is a common breakfast food – it is quick and easy and there are lots of choices. - Send Them Off with Love
Whether you send them out the door the bus stop, walk them to school, or drop them off in your own car, when they are leaving you for the day make sure to send them off with love. A hug, a kiss, and I love you and a positive thought can really have a dramatically positive impact on their day.
Do you need more ideas? You can visit the Rice Krispies Facebook page to see more tips plus join us at the upcoming Twitter party! Sorry, the Twitter party has been cancelled for now.
Blog Giveaway
The Prize: One reader will win this Rice Krispies prize package! Which includes a box of Rice Krispies, 4 Kellogg’s Character Cereal Bowls (I have these bowls and they are great), and a Kellogg’s Retro Character Scrapbook Album.
Required Entry: Leave a comment with a tip on how you make your mornings easier.
Winners notified by mail only, so make sure I have a way of accessing your email address when you comment.
Extra Entries: The following are all extra things you can do for more entries. Leave an additional comment for each thing you do to earn extra entries.
- Subscribe my feed via email and then leave a comment letting me know you have done so. If you are already a subscriber, let me know that in the comment instead. Subscribe to Robyn’s Online World
- Follow @RobynsWorld on Twitter and send a tweet about the giveaway. You can do this one time per day. Leave a direct link to your tweet (instructions here) in your comment for an extra entry for each tweet. Just click the Tweet button below and follow simple instructions
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Rules: Only one of each entry method listed per person/family/household. No entering on behalf of others, using extra identities or others identities, no automated program entries, etc. If I catch you cheating you will be banned from this and all of my future giveaways! This giveaway is only open to those in the USA, ages 18+. All entries must be received by 11:59 pm Central Time on Monday, September 24, 2012. I will pick a winner and email them and they have 48 hours to claim the prize. If no response, I will pick a new winner. Good luck!
Disclosure: I have received a stipend from TheMotherhood for my participation in this campaign. Opinions are my own.
© 2012 – 2014, Robyn Wright. All rights reserved.
