We know (all too well!) that the school morning routine can be a bit of a juggling act, especially if you’re battling with more than one child. With the start of the school year just around the corner, we thought we’d share some of our favourite tricks to help you get prepared and organised.
In this post, we outline our top tips for preparing your kids for a good day at school - both the night before and the morning of.
Divide the school morning routine
You can avoid the mad rush out the door by prepping lunches and school uniforms the night before. Say goodbye to madly searching for Tupperware while simultaneously trying to iron a school uniform.
We’ve been helping families prepare for their school routine for a while now - and know how frustrating it can be to use that old on-the-blink iron, or the washing machine that decides when it’s going to work all on its own. Make the school rush a little bit smoother by shopping with us online - where you can spread the cost of your new household items with Fair for You’s flexible loan scheme.
Set a sleep schedule
Every parent wants a better night’s sleep for their children - as that usually means you can get a better sleep too! Plus, a few extra ZZZs can make the kids less cranky and more productive at school. Sounds like a dream, right?
A comfortable bed is an essential part of any sleep routine. As they’re such a big purchase, sometimes updating beds that have been outgrown (and mattresses to go along with them) is the least of your worries. If you need a hand, we’re here to help - with a huge selection of bedroom products available on our website.
Once the bed is sorted, it’s all about finding the right bedtime routine for your kids. For example, they might have a bath followed by a bedtime story every night. Find what works for your family - with a little planning and effort, you can help your kids get the rest they need to thrive at school.
Pack their lunch
When you’re getting the kids dressed for school and trying to gather your own belongings, making a packed lunch is the last thing you need.
You could prepare your kids' lunches the night before, so you have plenty of time to add snacks, drinks and any extra pieces. A healthy, packed lunch will give your child the energy they need to learn and grow. And you can avoid the mad rush to make a sandwich and find snacks, all while getting the kids dressed for school.
Sort their outfit
Set yourself up for an easy week, and prep the school uniforms when you have a spare minute at the weekend. Wash, iron and hang them up in the kids' wardrobes so you can feel smug for the rest of the week. Honestly, it’s life-changing.
When your washing machine starts leaving strange marks on your clothes, it might be time for a new one. Spread the cost of your new appliance with a Fair for You loan and prepare your kids’ uniforms for the week ahead.
So, next time you're getting your kids ready for school, take a few extra minutes to sort their clothes and help them to look and feel their best.
Prepare breakfast
When it comes to breakfast, stick to quick and simple ideas. You don’t need to be flipping pancakes or grilling bacon first thing on a Monday morning. Stick to a nutritious cereal that’s quick to prepare and keeps them going till lunchtime - like porridge or muesli. And make sure to keep a stash of protein bars in the cupboard - just in case you wake up late and need to do breakfast on the go. Preparation is key when it comes to the school run.
Check your schedule
Getting the kids ready for school is one thing - but preparing for your day is another task altogether. Keep yourself organised with a digital calendar and log everything - from work meetings and social events to kids' parties and sick days.
On a Sunday evening, you could check your schedule for the week ahead and outline any clashes or extra busy days. For example, you might need to switch up your meal plan if the kids are out for dinner one evening.
Plan ahead to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed out during the day. Plus, it can help you make the most of your time by ensuring that you're prepared for everything ahead.
Make a checklist
Stay organised with a checklist of your day-to-day routine and key activities. You could make a note of things you need to do that day, like returning a parcel, filing a tax form or making a doctor's appointment. Having a list to refer to can help make sure you don't forget anything important and that you're ready to go on time. Plus, it’s super satisfying to check things off as you go!
Your list could include:
Brush hair and teeth
Wash face
Get dressed
Eat breakfast
Put on shoes
Grab lunch
Double check backpack
Turn off the lights
If you have young children, the morning can be a chaotic time. There are so many things to think about and do before you can even leave the house. A checklist can help you get organised and make sure you don't forget anything important.
Do a quick clean
Okay, cleaning is probably the last thing you want to do before flopping into bed. But a quick surface clean can transform your morning and help you face the day tomorrow.
A dishwasher can make that night-time clean much quicker - especially with all the Tupperware and plastic cups kids use. Just pop it all in the dishwasher at the end of the day and wake up to sparkling clean dishes. Fair for You provides loans for a range of kitchen appliances to make your day-to-day activities a little bit easier. Head to our website to find the right dishwasher, kettle and much more for your family.
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