Tips on How to Organize the Night Before

The morning rush can not only make you behind schedule, it can also tank your mood for the whole day (and that of your kids). Keep things positive and moving by being morning-ready the night before.

Check the forecast

It’s amazing how much of your day-getting-ready time is dependant on the forecast. Will it rain? Be chilly? Hot perhaps? Knowing the weather is important in choosing the right clothes for the day (more on clothes later). It is also important information to know for packing lunches (chilly day makes for a thermos hot lunch, warmer day lunches are boosted by chilled cut veggies and ice packs). Don’t be surprised by the weather of the day…check the night before.

Prepare the bags

Prepare the school bags (and your own bag!) the night before hand. This means sign the permission form and put it in the agenda. Place the library books in the bag. Homework and hats too! Don’t waste time looking for items in the morning. Make it so that all you need to add in the morning is the lunchbox.

Chose clothes

Clothes can be a major hurdle in the morning…conquer it the night before by laying out the next day’s “uniform” the night before. Having a power struggle over clothing choice. Offer your child to chose from “Outfit A” or “Outfit B” this gives your child some say over what they are wearing and you the control over appropriateness (see Check the forecast above).

Prepare the lunch box

Aside: a major morning challenge is awaking to realize you didn’t wash yesterday’s lunch box (and/or containers). Take this “ugh” off your list by emptying the lunch box every evening – and getting those containers spick and span as soon as possible.

How can you prepare for lunch the night before? Make a little extra dinner, and put a portion directly into a thermos for tomorrow’s lunch. Put juice boxes in the freezer (they act as ice packs and defrost for lunch). Put dry snacks in re-usable containers.

Finally, ensure you have a reliable morning routine and stick to it. Rise at an hour that gives your enough time to wash, dress, eat and go (time to spare is a good thing).

Use charts to remind kids about the daily routine: brush teeth, hair, dress, make beds.

Stay away from the bad habit of turning on the television or computer in the morning – it will only distract and delay the day. Instead turn on the radio for news, traffic and entertainment motivation in the morning.

Getting into a good morning routine is an important element in getting ready for school. It teaches organization and preparedness while keeping emotions calm. These are not only tools for school but valuable skills for later life.

About the Author Writer/Mother/sock finder/Blogger/laundress/Community Editor/mitten matcher/Researcher/nose wiper/buzz creator/Moderator/whatever... Posted by Caroline in behaviour on August 01, 2010 More from this author  |  Author Website