My oldest daughter sent me a cartoon this morning. It had the words “Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance” and the caption “The five stages of waking up.” Truer words were never spoken, at least not in my house. I have always hated getting up in the morning. Where most kids fought naps, I would gladly take mine. It was a miracle I ever got through high school. You can bet your buns my college classes never started before noon! Well, this trend has been handed down to all of my kids. They hate to get up as much as I do every day. But, someone has to be a grown up around here and get everyone ready for school. Since my husband leaves the house before the sun comes up, I am the designated waker upper! Here are a few back to school morning hacks that help me get the kids to school on time:
Back To School Morning Hacks To Get The Kids Out The Door
- Bed Time: I am going to be honest. We have not had bedtimes for the kids for a few years now. Henry has a screwed up sleep cycle due to his Asperger’s Syndrome. Home schooling makes this easier to deal with. If he sleeps during the day, we home school after dinner in the evening. For Caitlin, she is in high school, so I have stopped fighting her on when to go to bed and have let her sanction her own bedtimes. If you have younger kids, start transitioning them to an earlier bedtime at least 14-10 days before school starts.
- The Night Before: We make sure notes are signed, backpacks and lunches are packed, clothes are picked out and homework is completed the night before. This saves us a huge chunk of time in the morning.
- Music: We play music, usually Imagine Dragons or the 80’s playlist, to get us going in the morning. Nothing will get you moving like one of your favorite songs! Henry and my husband think we are nuts, but Caitlin and I don’t care what those stinking boys think!
- Know Where Things Are: Nothing will slow my morning down like losing my wallet or my keys. We bought a magnetic key holder so we can hang them when we get home and grab them on our way out the door. The lunchbox is in the fridge and we keep the backpack, phone and iPad on the kitchen table. Everything is in reach. Easy peasy.
- Checklist: We keep a checklist by the door that keeps me in check with what I need before we head out the door. Caitlin will sound off each item and I will yell “check” as I grab each item
- No Fuss Healthy Breakfast: We all know kids need to have something to eat for breakfast to get their morning off to a good start. It doesn’t have to be a 5 star meal, but it should be something they will want to eat, is easy to eat on the run and full of yummy goodness. Our newest breakfast and after school snack obsession are the Brightside™ breakfast bars from Pepperidge Farm.
I am not going to lie. I hit the snooze until the last possible minute and so does Caitlin. What this means, is we may be a fairly well oiled machine, but it is a bit crazy. We work together to get Caitlin out of the house on time, ad almost every morning, we are successful. When we aren’t, it is usually because I hit the snooze for the millionth time. As much as I would love Caitlin to have a hot breakfast, it just ain’t going to happen. Instead, I opt for something I know she will eat and is good for her. That is why we both love these Brightside™ breakfast bars from Pepperidge Farm so much. Made with the goodness of whole grains and fruit, with a soft-baked texture, this is deliciousness you can feel good about. These little beauties are individually wrapped, heart shaped bars of flavor! They are as delicious as they are nourishing, which makes both of us very happy! Each Brightside™ breakfast bar is a soft baked granola morning snack thoughtfully baked by the folks at Pepperidge Farm. The Brightside™ breakfast bars are made with 100% whole grains, delivering 4-5 grams of fiber. They come in three delicious flavors; Blueberry, Cranberry (my favorite) and Cinnamon Brown Sugar (Caitlin’s favorite) and they retail for $3.99 for a box of 5. Start your day off right with these back to school morning hacks and set everyone up for a great day. The BrightSide™ breakfast bars from Pepperidge Farm are soft baked granola that is fuel for a morning routine that celebrates “Good Food, Good Energy, Great Mornings!” I love these so much, I am excited to offer one of my USA readers a box of each flavor of the Brightside™ breakfast bars from Pepperidge Farm!! Do you have any back to school morning hacks you would like to share?
Julie Wood says
September 11, 2015 at 1:19 pmI have created a Lunch-Packing Station – It might be easiest to pack lunches the night before, but if you’re a morning lunch-packer, set up an organized lunch packing station to make it easier for the kids to help. This is so much fun for the kids to do on their own!
charlene says
September 11, 2015 at 1:26 pmI try to make sure my daughter has her clothes and shoes picked out the night before so we are out the door quicker
Elena says
September 11, 2015 at 4:50 pmI pack my kids lunch the night before
Cheryl says
September 11, 2015 at 5:07 pmI use a very loud alarm clock that rings for ten minutes straight to get me on my feet.
latanya says
September 11, 2015 at 7:12 pmI lay out our clothing right after washing and drying them. I hang an entire outfit on a hanger and just pick an outfit in the morning.
Starla B says
September 11, 2015 at 7:13 pmThose are all so awesome! I don’t have many ‘hacks’ but we do pick out lunches the night before and also outfits. It makes life so much easier. I also love to make bulk breakfast sandwiches and muffins that makes an easy, fast breakfast!
Charriess says
September 11, 2015 at 7:49 pmI rotate an inspiring play list that makes getting up fun and motivational. For example, one playlist may play something like, “It’s a Beautiful Day” from U2, or even a song from our kids playlist. Music stimulates the brain to wake up get going it’s a new day ahead.
Jennifer Scheldberg says
September 11, 2015 at 8:30 pmI request they make their lunches the night before so that’s not a hold up in the morning
Amy Jones says
September 12, 2015 at 3:22 amMy morning hack starts the night before! I do as much as I can before I go to bed, so that the morning is as simple as possible.
Kelly Nicholson says
September 12, 2015 at 9:22 amDo you have a back to school morning hack to share?
peanut butter bread with honet,and i dont share nuthin man
Sharon Kaminski says
September 12, 2015 at 12:28 pmMy good morning hack is the snooze button!
Jenny Q. says
September 12, 2015 at 1:12 pmI keep my kids on a good bedtime schedule so that mornings are easier. I also have a no technology rule for the bedrooms at night. I don’t want my kids on tablets, phones, or tvs late at night. Kids do have better mornings if they sleep.
Janet Woodling says
September 12, 2015 at 2:00 pmMy children are grown. However, when they were in school I kept a tight schedule. Clothes out the night before, lunches packed, back packs by the door, etc. It made for a much easier send off.
Tina W says
September 12, 2015 at 4:15 pmHave lunches, outfits, backpacks, EVERYTHING laid out the night before.
Meghan says
September 12, 2015 at 4:40 pmNo hack, just lots of hugs & kisses upon waking him up. Helps to ease the pain! LOL
Darlene Owen says
September 12, 2015 at 6:39 pmI make sure my boys always get a good night rest.
Nancy Marcho says
September 12, 2015 at 8:00 pmI try to get as much done the night before so I can relax as much as possible in the morning before heading out the door.
Linda G. says
September 12, 2015 at 10:00 pmI would have my daughter lay out the night before what outfit she would like to wear
ELIZABETH C. says
September 12, 2015 at 10:31 pmI try to do everything the night before so that I have a fairly easy morning !
Seyma Shabbir says
September 12, 2015 at 11:25 pmBest hack is showers the night before, get clothes and bag ready the night before!
Darcy says
September 12, 2015 at 11:46 pmTry to get everything ready the night before… not always easy, but it sure cuts down on morning stress.
Tracy Robertson says
September 13, 2015 at 5:25 amMy only morning hack is that I always keep some healthy snack foods available to eat in the morning. I don’t eat a big breakfast, but I always eat something in the morning and I keep bananas, granola bars and juice on hand at all times.
Cynthia C says
September 13, 2015 at 9:19 amAnything you can get ready the night before makes the morning go smoother.
Heather Johnson says
September 13, 2015 at 12:31 pmI lay out their clothes the night before. They get up eat breakfast, brush their teeth and then get dressed.
Ashley C says
September 13, 2015 at 4:18 pmI try to make breakfast in advance and keep it in the freezer! Breakfast sandwiches, muffins, cinnamon rolls etc all store great in the freezer and can be re heated for a yummy breakfast
melissa Resnick says
September 13, 2015 at 4:58 pmtake shower at nite and get breakfast ready at nite
beth shepherd says
September 13, 2015 at 7:33 pmI like to make enough breakfast sandwiches on sunday for the week for quick grab and gos.
Brittney House says
September 14, 2015 at 12:40 amWe get our lunches and clothes ready the night before to get going.
Betty Curran says
September 14, 2015 at 4:53 amI haven’t had school age children at home for several years so I have no hacks to suggest.
Patricia M says
September 14, 2015 at 5:35 pmI pack all lunches at night and set up the weekly clothes and hang them in organizers behind the bedroom door.,
Melanie Lamb says
September 14, 2015 at 6:47 pmLeae out what you want to wear the next day the night before.
Mike says
September 14, 2015 at 7:04 pmMy hack is to do whatever you can the night before to save time in the morning.
Monique Rizzo says
September 14, 2015 at 7:57 pmReally, just laying everything out the night before is nice. Thank you for the chance.
lana simanovicki says
September 15, 2015 at 1:01 pmI usually make pancakes on sunday .enough for the week
Dawn Monroe says
September 15, 2015 at 11:08 pmI try to have on the go breakfast available in case we are running late.
Bonnie Day says
September 15, 2015 at 11:32 pmI pre make waffles, pancakes and French toast and put wax paper in between them and put in ziplock bags in the freezer so saving time in the morning for a hot breakfast Also all clothes are set out the night before along with book bags and shoes the table is set with plates silverware and glasses this saves me a lot of time in the mornings
Marnie G (Derrick Todd) says
September 16, 2015 at 2:03 amMy only hack would be to get as much done the night before — clothes, bags, lunches, etc. to make the mornings a little easier.
DJ says
September 16, 2015 at 8:01 amI just try to prepare the night before school, like having the kids’ clothes already laid out.
Peggy Johnson says
September 16, 2015 at 4:58 pmThe night before, we get clothes ready, backpack ready and lunches made.
Lisa says
September 17, 2015 at 12:00 amWe get everything ready the night before so there is less to do in the morning.
Lana Bradstream says
September 17, 2015 at 9:57 amMy daughter picks out her clothes the night before
Seth @ Giveaway Guy says
September 17, 2015 at 12:52 pmI make sure I have something to wear the night before, so that way getting ready in the morning is a breeze.
cyndi br says
September 17, 2015 at 5:51 pmbreakfast is set up the night before
kim keithline says
September 17, 2015 at 9:35 pmI wish I did have one to share I just try to get everything ready the night before so there are no suprises in the morning
heather fox says
September 18, 2015 at 5:47 amtake it easy and enjoy the day
Kalynn Carter says
September 18, 2015 at 10:25 amprepare the night before. (:
sandra says
September 18, 2015 at 12:08 pmnot really, but I’m getting better about making sure everything is ready for the next day
C Steyer says
September 18, 2015 at 10:04 pmMy morning hack is to have everything ready the night before – no exceptions! Makes the morning SO much easier!!
Carol says
September 19, 2015 at 8:52 amI pack my kids lunch the night before
Joan Kubes says
September 19, 2015 at 9:53 pmHave the kids lay out all their cloths the night before.
Susan Christy says
September 20, 2015 at 5:12 pmGet everything ready the night before. And make sure homework is actually IN the backpack.
Kelley Chapman says
September 21, 2015 at 9:50 pmMy kids are grown but when they were in school I would do whatever lunch or breakfast prep I could to the night before.
Laura Royal says
September 22, 2015 at 4:37 pmPrepare everything the night before so it makes the morning easy!
michelle k. says
September 22, 2015 at 4:46 pmBackpacks are by the door ready to go
Carrie Smith says
September 22, 2015 at 7:38 pmI don’t really, other than having lunch prepare the night before make things go more smoothly in the morning!
Carrie Conrad says
September 23, 2015 at 9:21 amI make sure all three of my kids have everything thing laid out the night before so there is not running around looking for things in the morning.
Elisabeth says
September 23, 2015 at 3:55 pmMy biggest tip would be to do as much as possible the night before! It always helps to have one place where the book bags , shoes, and coats are stored as well so that you don’t have to go searching for them in the morning.
anne says
September 23, 2015 at 9:08 pmEverything is laid out the night before including clothes, shoes, bags, lunches (in fridge), etc.
allyson tice says
September 24, 2015 at 1:40 amSet the kiddos clothing and shoes out the night before! makes mornings a little less hectic!
Kara Marks says
September 24, 2015 at 5:49 amSeveral people mentioned getting everything ready the night before, but I’d say if possible to also get the clothes all ready for the wk. on Sunday afternoon or evening.
Carol Nine says
September 24, 2015 at 12:27 pmMy morning hack is to keep the alarm clock several feet away from the bed so I don’t hit the snooze button.
Heather Poindexter says
September 24, 2015 at 5:16 pmNo I dont have kids, but I always decide what to wear before I go to bed.
Laura J says
September 25, 2015 at 2:12 pmWe get the backpacks ready the night before and snack and check whats for lunch! Always watch the weather too so we know if its a shorts day or a pants day!
KathrynC says
September 25, 2015 at 6:09 pmhmm, well my *hack* is just that I use a white noise machine at night and that GREATLY helps me sleep better so I can wake up better & faster
Kathryn C
kacor7@hotmail.com
Ingrid Jackson says
September 25, 2015 at 9:09 pmMy good morning hack is a good cup of coffee before I get going.
Maria B says
September 26, 2015 at 1:40 pmJust baths at night and have the outfit picked and ironed before bedtime.
Sandra Watts says
September 26, 2015 at 6:56 pmMine is get everything around the night before. It sure makes the morning easier.
Danielle says
September 27, 2015 at 9:33 amI get everything ready the night before. I even put dinner in the crock pot on my way out the door so dinner is ready after work or school functions.
Patricia Delgado says
September 28, 2015 at 4:59 pmPreparing lunches and getting outfits ready the night before always helps us out in the mornings.
Lauryn R says
September 30, 2015 at 1:03 amI don’t have a different back to school tip to add, but yours are great! I particularly agree with having everything ready the night before, this is definitely a huge time saver!
bARRIE says
September 30, 2015 at 9:49 amMake baggies of cereal so it’s easy for kids to know what is a serving size for breakfast!
Summer B. says
September 30, 2015 at 11:01 amI get everything done the night before, it saves time in the morning.
Kay says
September 30, 2015 at 12:24 pmAfter miserable mornings with four kids, the fifth now has an alarm clock and is responsible for getting herself up and ready. If stuff isn’t done, it becomes her responsibility. There has been a LOT less stress ’round here with the new plan.
Sonya Sanderson says
September 30, 2015 at 12:48 pmI say get as much done the night before as possible.
nickie says
September 30, 2015 at 4:17 pmI try to do everything the night before, that helps a lot.
Rebecca Peters says
September 30, 2015 at 7:05 pmWe prepare clothes and stuff the night before
Gina Malone says
September 30, 2015 at 8:33 pmNo! But I would like some (and am reading the other comments) as one of our 7 year olds almost refuses to eat breakfast. :-/
Stephanie Larison says
September 30, 2015 at 11:23 pmWe spare the morning rush and stress by making the lunches the night before.
Stephanie Liske says
October 1, 2015 at 12:40 amI don’t have one, but I think we could use some! 😀
Sherry Conrad says
October 1, 2015 at 1:40 amWe aren’t morning people so we do all we can ahead of time.
jules m. says
October 1, 2015 at 11:22 amhaving lunch prepared and clothes out ready to put on really saves time.
Lisa Weidknecht says
October 1, 2015 at 4:04 pmLay out school clothes the night before!
Carolyn Daley says
October 1, 2015 at 4:07 pmPack lunch the night before and have a buddy system for making sure everyone wakes up on time in the mornings. For example
Miranda Ward says
October 1, 2015 at 6:21 pmHomemade Muffins!!!!
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
susan smoaks says
October 1, 2015 at 7:28 pmmy back to school morning hack is to prepare as much as possible the night before so we can run smooth the morning of.
amy deeter says
October 1, 2015 at 7:47 pmWe get the clothes ready for our kid the night before so its less hassle in the morning
Jake B says
October 1, 2015 at 7:53 pmI always would pack lunch the night before so not rushing in the morning.
Kristy Wolfgang says
October 1, 2015 at 9:15 pmSmoothies
Janet Boyanton says
October 1, 2015 at 9:34 pmThis sound much healthier than donuts in the car on the way to school!
kim parrott says
October 1, 2015 at 10:59 pmJust to try to be as organized as possible to minimize morning mania 🙂