Get the Kids Out of the House on Time in the Morning for School

You don't want to open your eyes. Yes, it is still dark, and your alarm is ringing. It's the first of many early mornings now before you, for it is the once again the first day of school. How did it sneak up on you so quickly? It seems like we were just celebrating the end of the school year a few weeks ago, doesn't it? Now there are lunches to be made, bags to be packed, and battles to be fought as you beg your children to get up, get dressed, practice some basic hygiene, and eat breakfast before they miss the bus and need you to give them a last-minute ride. You hide under your pillow. Maybe it's just a bad dream. No, there's that nasty alarm again.

Wait! It doesn't have to be this way! I'm sure you've heard all the suggestions for getting your children up and out in an orderly fashion each morning. You've read the articles in the parenting advice magazines about organization and preparation techniques to make "back to school" easier. Well, this year you may want to give some of those ideas a try. I've done it both ways, and the organized, prepared way really does work. I always thought that I was too busy or tired in the evenings to think about the next morning, but when I gave the new way a try last year, it ended up saving me time. My quick and easy school night tips for a happy morning: (you may have heard them before, but they really do work!)

1. Pack the lunches. (Letting picky kids have a say in this process avoids problems later).

2. Lay out everyone's clothes, including yours. (Again, bring those picky kids in the room while you do this, or assign them the task altogether - not your clothes, though!)

3. Prep breakfast. Set the table with anything that doesn't need refrigeration, cut up fruit ahead of time, and think of anything else that can save you time.

4. Pack bags before bedtime. Sign all permission slips, forms, etc.

5. If you have younger kids, have a set order for getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, etc. If there is a flow, things will go quick and easy (or at least have a better chance at going smoothly!).