Getting Into A Routine

August 21st, 2008

Before my daughter’s first day of Kindergarten my husband and I decided that we needed to get into a routine. Alyssa, my oldest daughter, is not much of a morning person so we decided to start a month in advance. We ate dinner at 5:30pm, bath by 6:30pm, then a small snack and then time for a book or two before going to sleep. This was going fine until it was actually time to lay down and go to sleep. Every excuse came up; I’m thirsty, I can’t close my eyes, I’m scared, and this went on and on. After a month we were about to give up, however that first day of school she was so worn out from waking up at 6:30am that bedtime was no problem.

A trick we thought of for a better morning routine was to make a chart together with her. The chart has pictures that she colored to show exactly what she has to do from waking up to getting on the bus. She loves to check them off as she goes. We also make sure to set out her next days outfit including earrings, hair ties, shoes, socks and underwear so that we don’t have to rush around looking for those items before the bus.

While it may only be day four she’s doing great! She has been going to sleep by 8:15pm every night and waking up at 6:30am on her own. She’s also waking up excited and feeling prepared for the day ahead of her. Let’s hope it goes this well all year!

Feel free to post comments and let me know what your own tricks and tips are for an easy morning routine.

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