Cold winter mornings can make it harder to wake up for school, but a new winter routine could help smooth out your family’s schedule. Our parent-tested tips will help you create a winter routine that works for everyone. With a few simple changes, your mornings will be cozy and stress-free.
Prepping the Night Before
If you want a relaxed morning, prepare for school the night before. Style outfits, like two-piece sets or baby girl dresses, ahead of bedtime and include layers for staying comfortable throughout the school day. Pack lunches to keep in the fridge and backpacks to leave by the door. Another way you can prepare is by shifting your evening schedule.
Some families have an earlier bedtime during winter. It gets dark early, your kids need plenty of rest, and you never know when there will be snow in the driveway or ice on the windshield. Stay prepared by giving yourself a 10-minute buffer in the morning. Reward yourself when there’s extra time with a stretch session or coffee.
Using Tools to Stay on Track
You can avoid the morning rush and help your kids stay on track with a winter morning checklist. A visual chart filled with essential morning tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and grabbing lunch bags can remove stress and help prevent missing items or mishaps. Set a timer or use a fun song to let everyone know when it’s time to move on from breakfast or head out the door. An upbeat tune adds an element of fun to the morning and brings everyone together.
Waking the Cozy Way
Instead of rushing your kids out of bed, make wake-up time more inviting. Use a wake-up light or sunrise alarm clock that mimics natural daylight and makes getting up less abrupt. You can also take steps to warm up your kids’ rooms. Use a space heater or pre-warm clothes so the cold air isn’t so shocking when it’s time to get out of bed. Don’t forget the magic of snuggles and soft music. A few extra cuddles or favorite songs can make a big difference.
Making an Easy, Hot Breakfast for the Whole Family
A hot breakfast is a nutritious way to motivate kids to get up and start the day. Make a meal that smells good and warms them up from the inside out, like overnight oats or slow cooker oatmeal. Add protein to breakfast with make-ahead sandwiches that can be reheated in minutes. Ready-to-eat breakfasts will save time and keep your kids full until lunch. Complete their meal with a hot drink. A cup of warm milk, hot cocoa, or decaf tea can turn a cold morning into a special occasion.
Getting Everyone Dressed in Warm Layers
Keeping kids warm at school during winter is all about layering. Here are some of the types of warm layers they should have on before heading out the door:
- Base layer: Items like thermal tops and leggings should be worn first. A fitted, long-sleeved bamboo shirt or moisture-wicking bamboo top can keep sweat away from the body while helping maintain warmth. On a warmer day, you can even choose toddler girl dresses. Just add bottoms such as fleece-lined leggings and extra layers like coats and vests.
- Middle layer: Fleece jackets, wool sweaters, and puffer vests can add extra warmth to keep your kids comfortable on cold mornings.
- Outer layer: Make sure they pick out a waterproof and windproof coat to protect against snow, rain, or chilly winds.
- Bottoms: On cold days, a pair of insulated pants, fleece leggings, or snow pants can be helpful.
- Waterproof footwear: Insulated, weather-resistant shoes like boots can help keep little feet warm and dry.
Keep winter accessories like mittens and hats by their outfits or near the door so they’re easy to grab. You can even pre-warm their coats and shoes to make heading out the door cozier.
Keeping the Morning Mood Light and Positive
The way the morning starts can set the tone for the whole day. Use positive reinforcement, praising your kids for being ready on time or helping siblings. Play a positive playlist to keep energy levels up, and consider having a special goodbye ritual, like a secret handshake or hug. These simple additions can make mornings feel more fun.
Example of a Winter School Morning Schedule
Incorporate these winter morning routines into your schedule and everyone will be ready for a new school day. This example of a schedule can be adjusted for your family’s wake-up routine and school start times:
- (6:30 AM) Wake up and get cozy: Wake your kids up with a soft bamboo blanket or their favorite cozy robe. Encourage them to stretch to shake off the sleepiness.
- (6:45 AM) Dress in comfy layers: Start with a thermal base or seasonless layer like a bamboo shirt or kid dresses, then add a cozy middle layer. Ensure their winter accessories or snow pants are ready by the door.
- (7:00 AM) Eat a hot breakfast: Serve a warm breakfast to keep your kids full and energized. Ask your kids to drink water to stay hydrated, even in cold weather.
- (7:20 AM) Final packing and gear checks: Double-check that all kids have lunch and that backpacks include essentials like homework, water bottles, and extra gloves if needed.
- (7:35 AM) Bundle up and head out: Layer up and zip coats before stepping outside. Sip on waterproof boots and check that mittens and hats are secure. If driving, start the car early to warm it up.
Having an example schedule can help you gauge how long it will take for your family to get ready and set up a routine that works for everyone in your family.
Design the Perfect Winter School Day Routine for Your Kids
Try the winter routines that work best for you and your family. Creating a predictable and cozy winter morning routine can make school days more manageable and less stressful for everyone. A little preparation and warmth, both physical and emotional, go a long way in starting the day off right.
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