Rise & Shine! Tweak Your Routine & Get to School on Time

The first day of school is just around the corner, and with it comes changes in every family’s schedule. Staying up late and sleeping in the next morning is soon to be long gone, and as parents, we know that getting students back into the school routine can sometimes be a challenge. 

If you want to start the semester with less “we are going to be late🤯” and more with “we got here on time🥰,” consider these three tactics for a more efficient morning routine. 

Start Practicing Today

Sleep, just like any other routine, is about consistency. Keep in mind that it is recommended for children 6-12 years old to sleep 9-12 hours while teenagers 13-18 years old should sleep 8-10 hours a night. Making gradual changes to their current summer schedule will help them get the rest they need to kick off a successful semester. 

• For the next two weeks, try encouraging your teen to wake up around the same time they would for school. It will help them realize the importance of going to bed on time and getting eight hours of sleep on weekdays. 
• By reducing your child’s screen time before going to bed, you will help them sleep better. Electronic devices use artificial blue light on their screens that might prevent the body from becoming sleepy or even provoke headaches. Turning off notifications and screens at least one hour before bed will generate many short and long-term benefits for your child. 
• Try introducing relaxing music, white noise, or sounds of nature for a more pleasant sleep. For example, it might be the sounds of waves, a night in the mountains, or a rainy afternoon; the possibilities are endless! Apps like HeadSpace also offer relaxation exercises for sleeping better and managing stress at any age. 

Plan & Pack in Advance

By choosing outfits or getting uniforms ready the night before, your student will save a lot of time during their morning routine. In addition, making sure to place all projects, homework, or any important school supply in their backpacks will boost their confidence as they head to school. Oh, and it will also reduce the chances of returning home to grab that missing assignment or lunch box!

• Creating a checklist and going over it the night before will help both parents and students stay on top of tasks and goals and start the day with a productive mindset.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Preparing it ahead of time is a great way to take it off your AM to-do list and have a more seamless morning. There are many quick and easy recipes you can try out this semester to give your child the energy they need to tackle the day and make both of your morning routines a bit easier. 

Keep the Good Vibes Rolling

Start the day with a positive mindset! Busy mornings can be stressful for everyone, no matter their age, so creating a calm and positive environment can impact your child’s mood during the day. Lead by example and encourage them to be organized, responsible, and proactive.

• Why not dodge the alarm and start the day with music? Listening to music in the morning can reduce stress, improve brain function and boost creativity. Instead of the dreaded alarm clock, try waking up your child with their favorite songs. Then, continue listening to music throughout the morning. Try creating a playlist that is the exact length of time it takes for your child to get ready. When the playlist is over, they know it’s time to go! 
• A morning shower can do a lot of good for your student. From increasing their concentration and improving blood circulation, to simply helping them feel more awake, a cold shower can help them start the day with a better attitude. 

A successful morning can be the start of a fantastic day! Every family has unique needs, so finding what works best for yours is vital to creating a fun, efficient, and consistent morning routine. If you are looking for more resources to support your child this next school year, visit our Schola Blog for tips and information on everything related to education. At Schola, we offer the best online tools to support students all across the country to find their ideal educational setting and reach their full potential.