Welcome back! Of course, for a good launch, your morning routine is everything. And it’s your routine because you know your kids. Give it some thought, then make some decisions about what works best for your family. Let’s start with that morning rush:
• Do everything you can the night before (pick out outfits, bathe, pack lunches, etc.).
• Get up before the kids so you can have a moment to yourself.
• Eliminate morning free time for kids — it can quickly get out of hand.
• Practice zippers, snaps, and opening containers so kids can become more independent.
• Leave home 15 minutes earlier than you need to. Consider setting clocks 15 minutes ahead.
• Serve high-protein breakfasts to help kids stay full and focused through the morning.
Simplify Your School Routine
• Go through your kids’ backpacks daily. The sheer amount of paperwork kids bring home can pile up quickly. Add important dates to your calendar right away — don’t wait.
• Date all schoolwork and artwork that comes home. Store it in a keepsake box or an expandable folder with a section for each child.
• Create a designated drop zone for backpacks so they always have a home.
• Set up a dedicated homework space and keep basic school supplies stocked at home.
• Make homework less annoying by building in 10 minute breaks every 15 minutes.
Organize Everyone
• Keep a Family Calendar in sync to organize the family. Consider using a shared digital family calendar set up on a counter such as the Skylight Calendar or Amazon Echo, so everyone knows what’s coming up.
• Use Google Calendar with older kids. Have them subscribe to the family calendar and invite them to events they need to attend.
• Try these top apps to help run your household smoothly: Cozi Family Organizer; Family Wall; Google Classroom; TeamSnap; Khan Academy Kids.
Stay Prepared
• Keep essential items in your car such as a hairbrush, deodorant, snacks, and a small school supply kit for homework on the go.
• Try Amazon Subscribe & save on recurring household essentials like diapers, formula, paper towels, detergent, etc.
• Consider using paper plates during especially busy seasons if it reduces stress.
Make Mealtimes Easier
• Make a weekly meal plan (the mealime app can help) so the daily, “What’s for dinner?” is already answered.
• Cook a big dinner on Sunday so you have leftovers for another busy night.
• Make use of your Instant Pot or slow cooker for easy weeknight meals.
• To streamline meals, try the Five Dinners One Hour program
• Use grocery delivery for staples, grocery pickup for larger shopping trips, and make one Costco or Sam’s run each month if it fits your family’s routine.
• Have family dinner together whenever possible to reconnect and catch up on the day.
Build Family Systems
• Give children age-appropriate weekly chores, such as loading the dishwasher or walking the dog. Change responsibilities every Sunday.
• Give each family member their own laundry basket and wash full loads by person to eliminate sorting.
• Teach your kids how to do laundry; teach them how to check whether clothes actually need washing before tossing them in their hamper.
• Show kids how to care for especially soiled sports clothes by washing them separately.
• Create one central location for everyone’s shoes.
• Keep extra socks in a basket by your back door for quick pick up.
• Use a timer for quick family clean-up sessions each day.
• Have everyone participate in a family clean-up before bedtime.
• Establish bedtime routines.
Home Shortcuts
• Don’t be afraid to put more items in the dishwasher — including pots and pans that are dishwasher safe.
• If it’s feasible for your family, hire a cleaning service once a month to lighten the load.
• Have kids clean their rooms
every Saturday.
