Back to school… Easy? No way. Waking up at the crack of dawn, showering, preparing lunches, walking the dog, making sure your children are dressed and ready to go… There’s no such thing as a relaxing back to school. Many parents have been dreading this moment before it even began. But surprisingly, some have learned to enjoy the structure that it brings to their life. How did they do it? A clear morning routine can allow both you and your children to breathe. By defining every family member’s role, you may say goodbye to those forthcoming Monday morning blues.

Here are some advices that have helped me enjoy this not-so-easy time of the year:

1) Bath time is generally a long process. I highly suggest that you integrate this ritual to your nighttime routine. Time is very limited in the morning and eliminating this task will take a lot of weight off your shoulders.

2) Early bedtime is key. Children should have a good night of sleep. It will be much easier for them to wake up and roll out of bed. You don’t want to hear the famous “Mommy, 5 more minutes!” sentence.

3) Lunches should be prepared the night before. If you don’t have time to complete their entire meal at night, I suggest that you prepare basic snacks at night and the main course in the morning. Dividing this task in two will help you gain some time.

4) Allow your children to help you! They enjoy learning new things and feeling needed. Doing everything yourself is not necessarily the solution. Include them in your morning routine.

5) Homework should be done and reviewed the night before. Ensuring that your child has completed the work appropriately should not be done in the heat of the morning. You might miss some basic mistakes and you will likely lack the time to explain certain topics to your child. Learning should never be rushed.

6) Try to prepare certain parts of your children’s breakfast in the evening. For example, fruits can be cut and refrigerated the night before. Try to simplify your meals and prepare part of them the night before. Doing so will save you a lot of time, believe me!

Mornings are precious moments that should be enjoyable and hassle-free. Starting on the right foot will set the tone for your entire day. Time spent with your children is so valuable and those rushing mornings can also be turned into fun. Organization and structure will help you achieve this goal.

Good luck!