My oldest started first grade this year and my youngest Pre-K. One of the biggest challenges to every school year, is making it out of the apartment on time, without tears. But we also have a busier schedule with a late evening soccer practice, a late religion class, an afternoon of dance class, and homework. Even though we are a month into school, returning from long weekends become challenging too. We’ve recently implemented these strategies at home to help the day go smoothly:
- Create a check list/ schedule for the day. I created a morning checklist and an afternoon checklist. Included is the schedule for the day so they know what is coming next. If they complete everything on their checklist, they get to watch a tv show or have a treat before they head to bed.
- Plan ahead. What days will you have play dates? Set a specified time for homework. We have 15 minutes of reading that we do every night. Lay out Clothes for the night before. Talk about what they would like for lunch the next day so you are prepped and ready to go in the morning. All of these activities and responsibilities can be included on the check list. Having them there has helped so my daughter doesn’t have to ask what to do next.
- Limit TV, Computer/IPad time, especially in the mornings. It’s always more stressful in the AM to get out in time when the girls have a TV show on. They never want to leave. After we get shoes on, I have my girls look at a book or work on words/ letter sounds we created on the back of our door while they wait. We use the Leap Frog Magnetic Fridge Phonics Set and Sylvan Spelling Flash Cards. You can also make your own cards adding the words of the week for Friday Spelling Quizzes.
- The Bored Jar Trying to coordinate play dates is challenging with all the after-school commitments. Often, my girls come home and entertain each other. I’ve received lots of tugs on my arm followed with the famous words “I’m Bored”. To create a The Bored Jar, use any jar, bowl, or vase. Fill it with strips that contain various activities or chores. I used the wonderful printable suggestions from imom. Activities include do a chore for mom ( I created a separate list of chores for them to choose from), play a board game with someone, help make dinner, call a grandparent, and more. We modified and added a few of our own: build a tent, dress-up and act out a scene, ask mom to set up uKloo, make a book, do a chore for Dad and try on clothes for the upcoming season to see what still fits and what needs to get donated. The Bored Jar is a fun way to keep kids busy and not constantly asking what’s next, especially when the weather gets colder and you are stuck inside.
Printout from imom.com
- Stick To Your Bed Time. I have a hard time with this because of the evening activities. We started eating dinner before her activities so when she comes home we can have a snack, take a bath and hit the bed. When my girls are tired in the morning, it’s never easy to get out the door.
What do you find helpful to get your children out the door on time?
Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own unless stated.
Tastefully Childish 
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