The summer holiday has been the perfect excuse to forget the routine and mix things up a little bit. But with ‘back to school’ fast approaching, now is a good time to start thinking about getting to grips with slowly bringing that routine back.
As we all know, the morning school run can be difficult (and somewhat stressful!) – a frenzied hour or so of getting dressed, fed and ready for the day ahead, then out of the door on time. Well, that said, high street favourite, Ryman, is giving top tier advice on how to get the control back, prevent the morning rush and be on schedule.
1. Catch an efficient amount of zzz’s
Research has proven that having a routine helps us sleep better and there is a strong link between the amount of sleep that children get, and their ability to cope with school the next day – from attention span and temperament, to overall wellbeing and behaviour. So, with routine king when it comes to surviving the new school term ahead, it’s important to nudge the little people back to an earlier bedtime and encourage a full rested nights sleep. It’s advised that a solid 12 hours sleep is key up until the age of four, and no less than 10 to 11 hours above that.
2. Ring the alarm
Rule number one when it comes to the school run – make sure you have plenty of time for your morning coffee! Joking aside, organising your time effectively in the morning and ensuring you have enough time to get yourself and the kids ready is essential. With this in mind, investing in a trustworthy bedside alarm is a must – rather than relying on your smartphone that has great potential to lose battery easily.
3. Organise uniforms the night before
There are always ways to save time in the morning and one to add to the top of your list is to get the uniforms (and your clothes!) ready the night before. And what better way to promote positive behaviour and independence than encouraging the kids to get dressed by themselves with a sticker reward chart? Top Tip: To stop your kids from putting their shoes on the wrong feet, simply put a sticker cut in half in each shoe making it a game for them to put their stickers together.
4. For the organised obsessed
Who doesn’t love a plan? On a Sunday afternoon get the family together for five minutes and go through commitments for the week ahead – especially those homework deadlines. Perhaps invest in a school year planner or calendar, it’s the perfect way for parents to organise all the hectic schedules with ease.
5. Get your lunch on
Preparing lunches the night before is another great way to save yourself time in a morning and save a last-minute panic around the kitchen trying to get them all organised.
6. Pack bags the night before
A stylish backpack will have the kids keen to fill it! Top tip: A clear pencil case is a great way of discretely checking the kids have their rulers and colouring pencils for tomorrow’s art class and helps keep everything in their backpack nice, neat and organised.
7. Everything in one place
Make sure no one forgets anything by keeping everything in one place. Store your school backpacks, gym bags, shoes, jackets and car keys in one safe place. Keep school books in view on the shelving so you can easily see what’s needed and put them in bags the night before. You will save valuable time in the morning and feel positively organised.
8. Always have a backup plan!
Enjoy added peace of mind by having a backup plan and know you’re covered when disaster strikes! Why not keep a box of spare essential items in the boot of your car? Having storage boxes in the car will help you hold spare sports kit, shoes and books if they’re needed.
For more information on Ryman and its back to school range visit here.
