Establish the best nightly routine for back to school and ensure a successful transition into the school year!
Summer nights for us have been pretty laid back. The kids have been going to bed later than during the school year. And when we do get them to bed the lights are on in their rooms so they can read or listenin to audio books.
Lights go out at 9:30 pm in summer as opposed to 8:30 pm on school nights.
Are you ready for the kids to go back to school? Me either, but we can get a head start on being prepared by making a great night routine.
A night routine for back to school can help keep the stress levels down the following morning. By getting some essential preparation done the night before, you are helping yourself and your kiddos feel prepared for the school day ahead of them.
What should your kids nightly routine include?
Your nightly school routine should include items you can get done the night before to help your morning go smoothly.
Look at the calendar.
First, look at your calendar and see what activities you have the following day.
Does your child need to arrive at school early for band or choir practice? Are you the carpool mom for the next morning? Are the kids going straight to sports practice after school?
These are all things to consider when planning out your school night routine.
Pack items that need to go with you the following morning.
Gather items you need for the following day and place them in a designated location. This could be in your entryway or in a cubbie in the garage.
Take an extra step and load any items you can into your vehicle so you can skip that step the following morning.
Some examples of items that can be packed the night before are homework, sports equipment, sheet music, instruments and class snacks.
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Lunches
Pack lunches the evening before or make sure your child has adequate funds on their lunch account.
Give your kiddos more independence by having them pack their own school lunch. If you have younger kids, let them assist in packing lunches.
Clothes
Have your kids pick out their outfit for the following day. Place the clothing choice on their bed so it’s ready for the morning.
Don’t forget to check the weather to make sure your kiddos’ clothing choices will be appropriate.
Picking out clothes the night before can eliminate a meltdown and can also be a time saver if you are in a hurry to get out the door in the morning!
Backpacks
Pack up the bag the evening before. This is also a chance for parents to check for any papers that need to be signed and sent back to school the following day.
Place all homework, books and folders into backpacks and set backpacks by the front door.
Shoes
Have shoes in a designated space in the garage or a shoe basket by the front door. Also make sure your kids have shoes on before leaving the driveway.
There have been a few instances in my home were we have arrived at a destination and one child did not have any shoes on their feet or in the car!
Start Time
Establish what time the nightly school routine will start.
To help determine this, first decide on a bedtime. If you want kids in bed by 8pm then work backwards from that.
You may need to start your night routine at 6:30 to accomplish everything.
How to have a good night routine for school.
Practice, practice, practice
Give yourself and your kiddos a good week of practicing the new nightly school routine. Practicing your new routine will set you and your kids up for success when the big day arrives.
Make it a group effort
Parents need to be involved in the nightly routine also. The first week may involve a lot of reminders.
Remain patient and stay the course. This nightly routine will eliminate future stress.
Be Flexible
Schedules will change as the school year progresses.
Sports, concerts, church activities or music lessons will enter the schedule and then you will need to be flexible and tweek your nightly school routine.
Have A Drop Station
Establish a “drop station” where all your school items will be kept each night.
This could be your entryway or in the garage. Set up a bench or have hooks on the wall to place backpacks each evening.
Having one location to keep all items that need to go with your kids to school will keep the evening and morning routines streamlined.
Post It
Have a visual reminder. Post your nightly school routine in a well trafficked area.
The kitchen refrigerator or the bathroom mirror are both good spots.
Having the nightly routine posted can eliminate questions from kiddos about what they need to get done. Parents can just point to the schedule and stop repeating themselves.
Sample Nightly School Routine
- Eat Dinner
- Play Time
- Pack school lunch
- Get backpacks ready
- 10 minute Tidy
- Shower or Bath
- Pj’s & brush teeth
- Choose clothes for next day- place on bed
- Read a book
- Prayers
- Bedtime
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Creating a nightly school routine will help you and your kids have a successful morning. It will keep you and the kids organized and prepared for a great day!
Looking for more ideas on setting up routines and schedules? These posts will help:
