First Day of School Ready: Morning Routines That Actually Work

The first day of school can be a mixture of feelings: excitement, pure joy, anxiety, or even summer sadness, whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher! That’s why it is so important to prep for the first day of school as much as you can, whether you have a first-time preschooler or you’re well into your school years. Keep reading to learn more about morning routines that actually work that you can use all year long, plus the products that can help get you there.

New to School This Year, or Want to Start Fresh This Year?

New school year, new you! If you’re sick of the morning rush and want to start fresh this year, or you’ve got a new preschooler or kindergartner and you want to start their school years out strong, there are four tips that can never go wrong when it comes to morning routines.

Tip 1: Prepare the Night Before

The best thing you can do in life for any situation is to prepare for it as much as you can. The night before school, make sure all lunches are packed and prepped as much as possible, backpacks are ready to go, and outfits are picked out.

Not only will this cut down on prep time in the morning so that you can sleep just a *little bit longer*, but it ensures you won’t forget anything important. Plus, involving your children in prep time will get them excited and part of the process!

The airtight, leakproof lids on our Stainless Steel Bento Boxes seal in the freshness to keep food fresher for longer. The easy-to-use lid is a breeze to snap on and off, even for young children and toddlers. Plus, they’re fridge and freezer-safe, making it super easy to prep the day before. 

Our Flex&Lock Kids Lunchbox is a super cute bento box option that allows you to cook, store, and send along food super easily in one tray. Leakproof without a hard-to-clean rubber gasket, the FlexBox is microwave and oven-safe, giving you the flexibility to easily reheat meals without transferring food to a separate container. Simply remove the tray for a safe and easy reheat!

Tip 2: Wake Up and Get Ready for the Day!

Here is a fool-proof morning routine for waking up, getting ready, and heading out the door:

• Give yourself plenty of time. Ideally, plan for your child to wake up one hour before you need to leave the house. This will allow them time to shake off the morning cobwebs, go through their routine, get wiggles out of they need to, and ensure they have everything they need.
• Set a get-ready timer. When it comes to showering if neded, brushing their teeth, styling their hair, and getting dressed, it is going to take longer on the first few days than other days. Practice in the days leading up to school starting by setting a timer so your child knows how much time they have.
• Eat a nutritious breakfast. Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast to fuel their day. Many children feel anxious on the first day of school, and might not be as hungry as they usually are as a result. Allow them plenty of time to eat, and don’t push it too much on them so that they can still start the day on a positive note. 
• Grab a sensory toy. Anxiety can be high in the morning on the first few days of school, so make sure you have a Spike Sensory Toy to help keep them calm while eating breakfast, getting ready, and driving to school.

Tip 3: Heading to School

Now that your child is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to head out the door! As most parents know, this can be the hardest part of the morning. Here are some tips to make it go smoothly:

• Start rounding up your children to grab backpacks, put on socks and shoes, and walk to the front door at least ten minutes before you need to leave 
• Plan on being inside the car at least five minutes before you need to leave. This will allow time for any last-minute hiccups 
• Use a visual aid, such as a chart or timer, to help your child along in the morning 
• Start the day with a positive attitude, such as giving high-fives as they walk out the door or listening to their favorite music on the drive

Tip 4: Managing Your Own Stress

Your children notice if you are feeling anxious or stressed, and they often adopt that feeling, as well. This is especially true on the first day of school. As such, make sure you are able to maintain an upbeat attitude, get your child excited, and be there to help with any of their worries.

This all includes managing your own stress so that it doesn’t affect your child. If you are anxious about your child’s first day of school, here are some tips:

• Wake up earlier than your child so that you can make sure they have everything they need
• Do some self-care, such as a workout or a relaxing shower, to start the day
• Tell your child you’re feeling excited and anxious, too. But reassure them that they are going to have the best day ever!

For more first day tips and great back-to-school products, head to Innobaby.com!