A calm morning at home can fortify your kids against the challenges of the school day. It should leave them physically and emotionally prepared for what lies ahead.
Here are 8 of my top tips to making the most of your mornings:
1. Download audible.co.uk on your iphone - this brilliant app is a library of audiobooks which will keep your early-risers quiet whilst the rest of the family catches those precious last minutes to sleep. We're currently listening to The Wizard of Oz performed by Anne Hathaway. It's 3hrs and 40mins long - need I say more?
2. Make the lunches the night before - I am so finished by nighttime. I am not interested in using my Mummy Brain even to the extent of choosing between Marmite and jam. But consider it a gift-to-self. Preparing the sandwiches the night before will take all the pressure off in the morning.
3. Forget about brushing your own teeth - put your own routine on hold until after drop-off. The leisurely hour you can take over breakfast and dressing is worth the humiliation of what you look like on the school run. Frankly, the mothers who've got make-up on before 9am are breaking Union Rules.
4. Empathise... - we know it's nicer to be at home than at school. The kids know it too! Whether or not they enjoyschool, it's physically, mentally and emotionally far more taxing than anything most adults face on a daily basis. Just remembering this helps.
5. ...but be upbeat - don't tell them school sucks! Let them work it out themselves.
6. Have a place for shoes, coats and bags - it doesn't have to be tidy (see Union Rules) but the kids need to know where to put their stuff down after school so that they can find it in the morning.
7. DO NOT SHOUT AT YOUR CHILDREN in the morning. If you have to shout, at least do it after school. Neither you nor they need to carry that negativity around all day.
8. Walk if you can - there's nothing better than walking to school. Fresh air, exercise, time to chat... Leave early and walk (or ride or scoot) if at all possible. It's much easier once you get in the habit of it, and the benefits are across the board.
9. Remember that taking your kids to school is one of the most important things you do in your day. When you drop them off late, barely slowing down before you kick them out of the car, your kids are getting the message: "Are you still here?!" We all think it sometimes - maybe try not to think it too loudly?
But-
When you walk them to the school gates calmly and with a smile it gives them the message that their education is important to you and so are they. You set them up for a great day.
No pressure.
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