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By Amanda Boyarshinov 5 Comments

Creating Effective Morning Routines for Your Elementary School Child

Parenting an elementary school child is tons of fun! They crave independence, are helpful (most of the time), and can do many things on their own (like getting dressed, pouring cereal, putting their shoes on). BUT, my elementary school child likes to do things on her own time, which can cause some problems if you’re like us and need to be out of the house by a certain time.
Creating Effective Morning Routines for Your Elementary School Child

What My Elementary School Child is Like in the Morning

My 2nd grader is an awesomely creative kid, but not the highest functioning in the mornings.  Our morning routines consisted of me making breakfast, getting all 3 kids dressed, teeth brushed, fed, and out the door.  I was giving way to many verbal reminders and there was just a feeling of stress all around, which isn’t a great way for anyone to start their day.

I felt like I was nagging.

She felt like I was nagging.

Our tone of voices were not kind and loving.

Tears were shed.

When she was younger, we used to draw pictures to give her visual clues for expectations, on a whim one night last week, I made this checklist for her and set it on the table.

A written checklist for morning routines

Using a Checklist for a More Effective Morning Routine

She woke up, trudged to the table and slumped down by the empty bowl (I set as much out the night before as I can).  I could tell she read it because she moaned, “I need a pen.”  Chuckling to myself (I am a morning person) I handed her one.  She set it beside the paper, ate her breakfast and checked off that part of the list.

Then, she went to the bathroom and brushed her hair and her own teeth, ran to the sheet and checked off that line.  Continuing though the list, she didn’t once need a verbal reminder or fuss about any step.  It was AMAZING!  She was ready and waiting at the door at 7:00 while I put her brothers shoes on.  In her sweetest voice,  she asked, “Would you please laminate the list so I can use it again tomorrow?”

Admittedly, our list isn’t the prettiest, but I think that is what makes it special!  She has used it consistently for a week with absolutely no complaints.  As we get better in our routines, I believe that she will rely less on the list, but it is laminated for her – just in case.

If your weekdays out the door routines are stressful – take time to think about what you can do to make them go smoother this weekend.  You could make a picture list for a non-reader, set clothing choices out the night before, write down a breakfast menu for the week, or even write a special message on your fridge to keep you in a positive mood.

Sometimes a little preparation on parents part makes a world of difference.  Now is the time for PARENTING WITH PURPOSE!

Creating Effective Morning Routines for Your Elementary School Child

UPDATE: We have now used this morning checklist for 2 weeks. I have no idea what I did without it.  Although all of our morning routines are a little different – I made a prettier version to share!

Are you looking for more back to school resources?  We recommend:

   
Meet the Teacher Tips for Parents
Back to School Printables

How to Write a Placement Letter

What do YOU do to make your mornings a happy, non-stressful part of your day???

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: #afterschool, Amanda, Back to School

About Amanda Boyarshinov

K - 12 masters reading teacher, author and mom to 3. Amanda is a National Board Certified teacher with oodles of experience in early childhood education.

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Comments

  1. Kelly at Little Wonders' Days says

    September 20, 2013 at 7:43 pm

    awesome idea! I as much out the night before too, including my coffee cup:)

    Reply
  2. Lovingmama says

    September 21, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    We set out our coffee cups too! AND have the water and grounds already in the pot ready for the button to be pushed =)

    Reply
  3. Susen Kuchta says

    July 31, 2014 at 12:42 am

    Going to try the list, can't hurt, right!? We usually pick out clothes the night before as that seems to be the biggest problem for my kids.

    Reply
  4. Pamela L (Rookie Parenting) says

    August 29, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    Amazing! Right now, I'm letting my preschooler drive the morning routine. The preschool provides breakfast. So that's a huge break for me. But then if she doesn't want to get up, refuses to brush her teeth, or just plain throws a tantrum, then she'll miss breakfast, which doesn't seem to bother her, but does to me. Will definitely try it as soon as she learns to read.

    Reply
  5. catherine says

    October 11, 2014 at 11:19 am

    after another morning of tears and shouting, I am going to make a checklist

    Reply

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