Mornings can be the most chaotic part of the day, especially when you're trying to get kids ready for school in a limited amount of time. But with a bit of preparation and a well-thought-out routine, you can streamline the process and get everyone out the door in just 30 minutes.
Sound impossible? Here's how our moms at Sherah do it every day in their own homes combining the best tips to getting out the door in record time. And a big key to a successful 30-minute morning is what you do the night before even more than what you do the day of.
1. Set Up a Drop Zone
A designated drop zone for school gear can be a game-changer. If possible, use the same spot for both after school drop-off and morning pick-up.
As soon as the kids get home, have them clean out their backpacks, refill water bottles, and select snacks for the next day. This helps ensure that everything is ready to go in the morning. The drop zone can also be a spot to store shoes, socks and jackets, making them easy to grab on the way out.
Make sure all school devices, such as laptops or tablets, are fully charged overnight. Create a charging station in the drop-zone where these items are stored and powered up, so they’re ready to go in the morning in the backpacks.
2. Prep Lunches the Night Before
Pack as much of the lunch as possible the night before. Non-refrigerated items like snacks and drinks can go straight into the lunchbox, which can be placed in backpacks ready to grab.
Encourage your kids to pick their own snacks from a designated “snack drawer” in the kitchen with pre-approved options. This gives them a sense of control while making the morning smoother by choosing their selection the night before.
3. Lay Out Clothes the Night Before
Have your kids pick out their outfits the night before, including socks, underwear, and shoes. This not only saves time but also ensures that the clothes are kid-approved, reducing morning disagreements.
Consider having a “school dress code” drawer where kids can easily choose from approved outfits each day. Keep "play clothes" in a separate drawer to prevent issues in the morning.
For younger children, opt for no-tie shoes to avoid any delays. Velcro or slip-on shoes can be lifesavers, especially for kids under seven.
4. Shower the Night Before
Bathing the night before eliminates one more thing to do in the morning. It’s also a great way for kids to wind down before bed, setting the stage for a good night’s sleep.
5. Dress and Tidy Up First Thing in the Morning
A simple rule: kids must get dressed before coming downstairs. This minimizes the chance of getting sidetracked and ensures they’re ready to go before breakfast.
Incorporate a quick bedroom tidying routine before breakfast. Have your kids make their beds, put away clothes, close drawers, and turn off lights before coming downstairs. This small task can set a positive tone for the day and make after-school time less hectic.
6. No Screens in the Morning
Eliminate distractions by enforcing a no-TV, no-screens rule in the morning. This helps everyone stay focused on getting ready and prevents time from slipping away.
7. Make Breakfast Simple and Balanced
Set out breakfast items like cereal, fruit, and muffins before going to bed. To avoid a processed carb-heavy breakfast, consider adding quick protein options like hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, or nut butter to whole grain bagels or toast. We also love baked egg bites that can be made in advance and reheated quickly in the microwave. There are so many easy high protein breakfast options like these.
8. Streamline Hair and Teeth Brushing
Keep a hairbrush and, if possible, toothbrushes and toothpaste downstairs to minimize trips up and down. This can be especially helpful if you have kids with different hair textures, where hair care might take extra time. For really tight mornings, keep a spare hairbrush in the car for last-minute touch-ups.
9. Use an Exit Checklist
An exit checklist by the door can help ensure nothing is forgotten.
List all necessary items: lunchbox, backpack, water bottle, snack, books, and any extracurricular gear like soccer shoes. Also, include personal tasks like brushing teeth and putting on shoes.
You can even laminate the checklist and have your kids check off items with a dry-erase marker each morning. This adds a fun, interactive element to the routine.
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By setting up an efficient morning routine, you can turn the chaos of school mornings into a smooth, stress-free process. It’s all about preparation, smart use of space, and getting the kids involved in the process. With these tips, you’ll be out the door in 30 minutes, with everyone ready to tackle the day ahead.
Are you interested in learning more about Sherah and how our assistants - who are all moms too - are helping families all over the U.S. transform how they keep their household running more smoothly?
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