Going back to school brings mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness for a new year, but many parents also dread having to get their child(ren) out of the house and to school on time. Setting up evening and morning routines can make mornings more enjoyable.

Many children struggle with getting ready for school because they do not yet have the executive functioning skills needed. Executive function is a set of mental skills that help us plan, remember directions, focus attention, and start and complete tasks. These skills do not come naturally to many children, but we can teach strategies to help build them starting as early as preschool. 

Involve your child

Start by making a list with your child of what needs to be done to get ready for school. Having a physical checklist can be helpful so parents can ask children to check the list to see what needs to be done next. This can replace constant nagging to get everything completed. Parents can work with children to decide how long each task will take, what they can do in the morning versus the evening, and what they can do independently. Together you can determine the time to get up in the morning. 

Celebrate the positive

It will take some time for it to become a routine. At first, children need guidance in how each task should be completed. Encourage them by celebrating what they do well. Review the morning routine in the evening and focus on one area to improve at a time. After a few weeks, review the list and decide what needs to be adjusted.