School morning routines can be a lifesaver for both kids and parents. They can help kids prepare for school on time, avoid stress, and start the day on the right foot. To create a successful school morning routine, it is essential to set some goals. Once you know your goals, you can start to create a schedule. This schedule should be realistic and flexible and include time for both work and play. Sticking to the routine as much as possible is essential. This will help your child develop good habits and make mornings more predictable and stress-free.
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The Power of a School Morning Routine
Before we dive into the how, let’s explore the why. Why is a morning routine for school so pivotal? For neurodivergent kids, routines are like a safety net. They provide a sense of predictability, easing anxiety and making transitions smoother. Above all, a well-crafted routine can nurture independence and self-confidence in your child.
Research shows that routines can significantly improve the mental health of neurodivergent kids. A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that kids with autism who followed routines had lower levels of anxiety and better sleep patterns.
Building a Successful School Morning Routine
Now, let’s get down to business. How do you create a morning routine that works? Here are some critical steps:
- Involve Your Child: Give your child a voice in their routine. This makes them feel valued and increases their commitment to the routine.
- Keep it Simple: Don’t overcomplicate the morning. Aim for a routine that’s simple and achievable.
"My little lady is loving the Goally. It makes morning and night routines go smooth and gives me piece of mind that she can use it to talk with me or anyone else." — Goally Mom Learn more →
Visual aids can be a game-changer for kids with thinking and learning differences. They offer a clear visual guide of what’s coming next, reducing anxiety and promoting independence. And remember, consistency is key. Try to stick to the routine as much as possible, even on weekends.
Read more: Best Morning Routine for Kids
Tools to Support Your School Morning Routine
Thankfully, you don’t have to do this alone. There are numerous tools out there designed to support your school morning routine. One such tool is Goally’s learning tablet for kids. This tablet offers a range of apps specifically designed for neurodivergent kids, helping them manage their time and tasks effectively.
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
Click below to make your CUSTOM printable visual schedule! 👇
For example, Goally’s visual scheduler app can be a lifesaver. It allows you to create a visual schedule of your child’s morning routine, complete with reminders and rewards. This can make mornings less stressful for both you and your child.
Overcoming Challenges in the Morning Routine for School
Despite your best efforts, there will be days when the routine goes haywire. On such days, remember to stay calm and patient. Your child is not being difficult on purpose. They are simply trying to navigate a world that can often feel overwhelming.
Offer reassurance, lend a helping hand, and most importantly, celebrate small victories. Every step your child takes towards independence is a victory worth celebrating. So, here’s to smoother mornings and happier kids!
Goally | Routines that Actually Work
Goally’s skill building tablet for kids has routines that break down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning. See it in action:
Morning routines help kids prepare for school on time, avoid stress, and start the day on the right foot. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your child has a productive and stress-free school morning experience. It is essential to be flexible and patient as you and your child work to establish a routine that works for you. With a little effort, you can create a school morning routine that will help your child thrive.
FAQ’s About School Morning Routines
What are visual schedules and how do they aid in a school morning routine? Visual schedules are tools that display daily events or steps of a task, frequently used to assist kids, particularly those with special needs, to understand and manage the day. They can streamline a school morning routine by providing a clear, consistent layout of the morning's tasks. How can emotional regulation apps improve my child's school morning routine? Emotional regulation apps like Goally's mood tuner, provide games and activities that help children manage their emotions effectively. They can help make school morning routines smoother by reducing anxiety and meltdowns, improving your child's ability to focus on getting ready for school. What is a rewards system and how can it be used to improve a school morning routine? A rewards system is a method of reinforcing good behavior by giving a reward when tasks are completed satisfactorily. It can be implemented in a school morning routine by rewarding your child for completing tasks on time, fostering self-discipline and responsibility. How does a consistent wake-up time impact a school morning routine? Consistent wake-up times can help regulate a child's body clock, making it easier for them to wake up and engage with their morning tasks. This can smooth out the school morning routine by creating predictable patterns. What are some effective strategies to simplify a school morning routine? Some of the effective strategies include planning ahead such as laying out clothes and packing lunchboxes the night before, breaking down tasks into simple, manageable steps, and using visual aids or cues to help your child understand and follow through with their routine.
This post was originally published on 07/20/2023. It was updated on 12/05/2023.
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