Getting Your Kids Ready For School

School time is here again and the morning battles with your kids have began. I know getting your kids ready for school in the morning is no easy task. Here are some tips to make your morning go more smoothly.
Step 1
Getting kids ready for school in the morning starts with the night before. Help your child by setting a nightly routine for them.
Step 2
Have your child choose what clothes and shoes they will be wearing in the next day. I have a 5 year old that is very particular and it can take him up to 30 minutes for him to decide what he is going to wear. If I don't have him pick out something to wear the night before, we both get upset. He feels rushed and I get fustrated because he might miss his bus. By having him choose the night before he can take his time and in the morning he gets dressed with no problem.
Step 3
Besides getting clothes out the night before gather everything else that is needed the next day. Set backpacks, papers needed to go back to school, homework, and other school materials by the door. Also if your child takes there lunch to school prepare and pack it the night before as well. All these things reduce the time it takes to get out the door in the morning.
Step 4
Another important thing is making sure your child gets a decent nights sleep. Kids can be very cranky in the morning when they lack sufficient sleep. With summer just ending kids need to readdjust to getting up earlier and going to bed earlier. Gradually push back their bedtimes by 15 minutes until a suitable bedtime is reached.
Step 5
In the morning gently start waking up your child. Tell them that they have 15 minutes then it will be time to get out of bed. Have them eat a good breakfeast before getting dressed (this way if something spills on them it will only be on thier pajamas). Now all your child has to do is get dressed, brush their teeth and hair, and grab there already packed bags and lunches as they go out the door.