I thought I'd start a thread to see if anyone had tips on how they make school mornings go easier. Any other tips for getting the kids adjusted back to school?

My ds will be starting 2nd grade this year. What we did last year that worked very well was to do some things the night before - we picked out his clothes and had them set out ready for him to put on first thing when he got up. He also had to tell me what he wanted to eat for breakfast, snack and lunch. I was able to get his meals prepared before he got up in the morning. He could be ready to leave 20 min. after he got up if he had to, but we usually had 30-35 min. This year he will have to get up a bit earlier because school is starting 15 min. earlier.

Janell

the best tip I have, (and this is said with much sarcasm) say we did when we didn't. I hate school mornings. Gabe doesn't do mornings. He'll go to bed at nine and sleep till almost 11 if we let him. but seriously, ITA getting everything ready the night before helps a lot

We have backpacks packed and at the door before we go to bed the night before and if a jacket is needed, the jacket is lying on top of the backpack so they can just grab it and go. Stephanie :D

We have backpacks packed and at the door before we go to bed the night before and if a jacket is needed, the jacket is lying on top of the backpack so they can just grab it and go. Stephanie :D

We do that too, although there are sometimes a few things that need to go in that morning - lunch, shoes if he has to wear boots, etc. His homework folder is always in there as soon as he finishes his homework it goes right back into the backpack.

Janell

Brett has a list that I fixed up and laminated. It includes everything he is to do that morning. I put laminate on it so that he can use a dry erase marker to check it off.

He also has a bedtime list and that gets some of the stuff done in advance.

He has to order his breakfast the night before!

We live in a split foyer home and our coat racks are in the garage except for Brett's. We bought one of the shelves that hangs on the wall with hooks and his coats and bookbag stay there by that door where he goes in and out for school (the only real time this door is used). I put a small table below the coat rack for his shoes and it has a basket for gloves and hat.

Brett needs a little time to wake up so I get him up at 7 and he leaves at 7:55.

The list has helped us tremendously!

Alicia