8 Simple School Morning Routine Tricks

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Let’s Talk the Dreaded School Morning Routine…

Why do school mornings have to happen so often? Especially Monday school mornings. They. are. my. enemy. Kids whining intelligible protests while pulling their heads further under comforters. Shirt buttoning and tooth brushing slow enough to make it in the record books. Managing the school morning routine is definitely on my list of least favorite parenting duties. But I’ve discovered some tricks (No, I am not above “tricking” my children.) that help get us through without too many tears or late arrivals. Let me share them with you…

8 Simple School Morning Routine Tricks

Sing & Just Act Weird – Yep. I just sing and act weird. Not every morning, but definitely on Mondays. I greet my kids at their bed in an Opera voice. Or I rap – loudly – about the day ahead as I come down the stairs. It always puts a smile on my kids’ faces and makes them just a bit more agreeable.
Tickles & Back Scratches – This one often goes along with the above mentioned singing. My kids always get out of bed better after a good armpit tickle or back scratch.
Meet at the Table – We honestly don’t have a set routine as in specific steps to our morning (though we probably should), but we do “meet at the table.” Everyone gathers around the dining room table once they’re dressed, shoes included!
Easy Breakfasts from the Freezer – Having easy breakfasts with a good source of protein is a must. I don’t cook in the morning; instead, while I’m in the kitchen packing lunches I pop the kids’ Jimmy Dean® Breakfast Sandwiches in the microwave so they get a hot breakfast. I hit up the freezer section at Walmart to stock up for the whole family. Sawyer likes the Jimmy Dean® Sausage Egg and Cheese Croissant; Priscilla prefers the Jimmy Dean® Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit; And I love the Jimmy Dean® Sausage Bowl.

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A Bowl of Fresh Fruit – I always have fresh fruit for the kids to pick from, too. Apples and bananas are easy for them to “serve” themselves and round out their breakfast.

Homework in the Morning – I know this seems backwards. And it honestly surprised me, too. But I’ve discovered that my kids do their homework better in the mornings at the breakfast table. I think it’s because they’re just so “over it” in the afternoon and evening after a long day of learning.
Coloring Books & Stickers – My youngest, J.C., needs something to do at the breakfast table, too, so he doesn’t feel left out. (And so he’ll stay there and eat longer than his wiggly four year old body actually wants to.) Coloring books, paper and crayons, or stickers usually do the trick.

A Special Treat – This only happens on those Mondays. You know the ones. For us it’s the Mondays after my older two spent a weekend staying up too late at their dad’s house. It takes a little something special to ~~bribe the kids to get out of bed~~ start our week on a positive note. Our special treat is usually yummy hot chocolate or a fruit smoothie from a drive through on our way to school.