The school year—or any busy life phase (think about summers when each week can be a new schedule)—often feels like a juggling act. If you find yourself consistently yelling “We’re going to be late!” or spending 10 minutes searching for your child’s shoe or sweatshirt, you are not alone.
The secret to bringing calmness back to your household isn’t perfection; it’s predictability. By implementing a few simple, consistent routines, you can empower your kids, reduce decision fatigue, and reclaim your time.
Master the Morning Rush
Morning chaos sets the tone for the entire day. The goal here is to move tasks from the morning “To Do” list to the evening “Done” list when possible.
- The Night-Before Prep Rule
The single greatest tip for a calm morning is preparation. Make this a non-negotiable part of your evening routine:
- Clothes: Lay out the complete outfit, down to socks and shoes. Encourage your kids to do this themselves as part of saying goodnight or at another ideal time.
- Lunches & Water Bottles: Pack lunches entirely (or mostly) and place them in the fridge. Fill water bottles and put them next to the packed backpacks (or ready to be filled in the morning).
- Backpack Staging: Everything that leaves the house (homework, sports gear, permission slips) goes into the backpack or next to it if carried separately, and the backpack is placed at the exit point.
- Ditch the Digital Wake-Up
If your child greatly struggles with disconnecting from a screen, limiting screen time in general or at least until they are fully ready can work well. Even if they get screen time, having a disconnect time at least ten to fifteen minutes before leaving can help avoid last minute conflicts over stopping and rushing out the door.
- Implement a Visual Checklist
For younger children, a simple laminated chart with pictures of the steps (eat, brush teeth, get dressed) can work well. For older kids, a short, written list by their bed, in the bathroom mirror, or another place they look regularly prevents the “I forgot!” excuse and encourages independence. Some kids may need the checklist listed in multiple places. Using a Skylight calendar, Amazon Echo show (with a screen) or another electronic checklist can also work well for some kids.
Structure Your Evening for Success
The evening routine isn’t just about getting to bed; it’s about decompressing, connecting, and setting up the next day.
- The “Power Down” Hour
About an hour before bedtime, signal the brain that it’s time to wind down. This means:
- Turn Off Blue Light ideally: All screens—phones, tablets, computers, and TV—should be put away. Blue light interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. If a full hour isn’t realistic in your family, try to get at least 10 to 15 minutes bare minimum.
- Start the Body Routine: Move to calmer activities like taking a bath or shower, brushing teeth, and putting on pajamas.
- Connect: Use the last 15-20 minutes for undivided attention if your schedules permit: reading a book together, playing a calm board game, or just talking.
- Consistency is Calming
The human body thrives on rhythm. Stick to a consistent bedtime, even on weekends (or at least as close as is feasible). This regulates your child’s internal clock and reduces resistance to bedtime.
- Clear the Clutter
Before heading into the bedroom, try out the idea that pitches in to put away shoes, put dishes in the sink, and clear general clutter. This small effort creates a calm environment for the night and makes the morning prep rule easier to follow. If more significant time is needed to tidy up, starting this earlier in the evening would be best.
Homework and Study Success
Homework often feels like the evening battleground. Shift the focus from “getting it done” to “learning how to manage time.”
- Designate a “Homework Hub”
This should be a consistent, distraction-free location—not the bedroom or the kitchen table while dinner is being prepped. Ensure the hub is equipped with all necessary supplies (pens, paper, calculator, etc.) so kids don’t waste time searching.
- The “When, Not If” Strategy
Instead of asking, “Do you have homework?”, ask, “When are you starting your homework?” Use the after-school transition time wisely. Many kids benefit from a brief break and snack, and then a dedicated “work block” before dinner. For kids who don’t get more than 10 to 15 minutes of homework, doing it as close to getting home as possible can often help because kids stay in school mode until the work is done.
Resources
For more in-depth guidance on organizing your home life and further reducing stress, check out these related items: https://mailchi.mp/20041dde0e2d/november-2024-relevant-tips-for-thriving-6745250?e=806d3358eb]
