Morning/before school routine & organisation

[PolkadotRosa]

Hi I'm trying to work out the best way to get up, get sorted & get out as smoothly & stress-free as possible, so was hoping to hear how other mums manage it.

I now have school bags packed and any forms/diaries signed etc the night before. Uniforms & nursery clothes ready and I (usually) wake first so make sure I'm washed, dressed and have my 'face on' before the chaos begins. This helps loads I've found, but would really appreciate any other good tips and ideas.

I seem to be in the habit of getting the kids dressed in the lounge (meaning pj's to pick up and move) and they have their breakfast, in lounge too(!) usually before dressing. Then wash, dress, hair & teeth. I also now try and only put the tv on when they're 'ready' otherwise my eldest is even more in snail in a trance mode. I feel like I'm rushing around on repeat saying "eat your breakfast!!"
I need to help my 5 yr old daughter get more independent with dressing, I help probably more than I should because she dawdles and gets distracted. What works for you? Share your routines and rituals pls!

It's not just 'mums' who need to get children up and out you know

I'd say try not to worry about teaching independence - it comes anyway as they grow, I promise, and early morning is not the time for it to be top of the agenda.

Good point Sunnyday. DH does a lot more of the morning routine than I do these days!

we are on top of things enough that we know there is always clean uniform and shoes are on the rack, water bottles in the cupboard etc - yes this is something that helps us hugely. As my DGM used to say, a place for everything and everything in its place I never have to run around looking for trainers, or my keys, or music, or a spare sock, or that trip permission form, because everything is pretty much always where it should be.

I try to get as much as possible ready the night before. I also have a list of what is required each morning so I don't have to try and remember if PE kit, homework, musical instrument etc is required each day. once my DD started high school, I did her a list for herself and she knows to check it each day.