5 Ideas For A Healthier, More Sane School Morning Routine

School mornings can be the most hectic time for families. The best defense is a school morning routine that starts with the gift of peace and quiet before the chaos begins—and of course coffee. Try it!

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For most families back to school means back to crazy school mornings that start way before anyone wants to wake up and leaves us all feeling irritated, rushed, and unprepared for the day.

Instead of focusing on what the kids need to do, focus on creating your own good habits. Starting the day with some “me” time is always a good idea.

Wake up early. Get some quiet time. I can tell you from experience, it makes a difference in getting the kids ready for school.

The hardest part is getting out of bed. But once the coffee starts brewing I never regret those few moments of peace before the rest of the house wakes up.

Here’s my non-negotiable school morning routine that sets the tone for the rest of my day.

Whether you try them all or start with one, hopefully there’s something here that will help you make the most of your mornings.

Photo via The Everygirl

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wake up early + coffee

On school mornings my alarm goes off at 5am.

I know that sounds brutal, but having an hour or so to myself before I have to wake the kids up for school gives me the space I need to feel calm and ready for whatever the day brings.

However, I can’t do it without coffee.

Try adding something special to that first cup, it’s like a little gift I give to myself for getting out of bed.

A slice of orange peel or a stick of canela is a simple gesture of kindness that makes me feel good.

If coffee is not your thing, plan ahead and make a batch of Jugo Verde {Mexican Green Juice} the night before. It’s like a Christmas morning when you open your fridge first thing to find it waiting for you.

Not a morning person? Try working on your bedtime routine before mastering the school morning routine. Going to bed even 30 minutes earlier than usual makes a huge difference.

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schedule self care

Once my first few sips of coffee have lifted the morning fog, I like to take a minute or two to literally schedule a moment of self-care for that day.

Taking the time to plan something nice for myself makes all those tiresome tasks a little easier.

It doesn’t have to be anything big either, some days it’s planning a phone call with a friend or setting aside 30 minutes to read my book.

Whatever it is, write it down in your planner or add it to your calendar before you leave the house.

Just knowing that time is there gives me a sense of joy that makes my whole day better.

Photo via Hian Oliveria

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meditate or at least listen to the birds

Taking 20 minutes for meditation every morning is the best way I know to clear my head and prepare for my day, allowing this time to just be present is priceless.

If you don’t think you can spare that much time then at least try to scoot yourself to an open window, or better yet, step outside and quiet your mind enough that you can hear the birds.

Focusing on the sounds of birds singing or the sensation of your breath for just a few moments is an amazing stress reliever and a wonderful way to get rid of all that pointless mind chatter.

If those aren’t options, try clearing your mind while brushing your teeth. Focus on the sensation of the action and observe the thoughts that come to mind, but don’t react to them.

Photo by Ben Blennerhassett

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pre-made pancake batter

The night before, double check your breakfast options.

Having something ready to go in the morning that will get your kids out of bed is a breakfast blessing, and it doesn’t have to be pancakes, it could be granola, or bagels, or even hard-boiled eggs.

In our house, if I take a few minutes the night before to whip up some pancake batter then I’m golden. Try these Masa Pancakes, they’re our favorite.

In the morning all I need to do is heat up a pan or spoon some batter in a waffle iron.

Magically the kids wake up with smiles on their faces instead of crabby snarls which makes everyone so much happier.

Oh, and make sure you eat breakfast too.

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set an intention

Lastly, right before I wake up the kids, I set an intention for the day.

I make a verbal and mental recognition of how I want this day to go.  

For example, “Today I’m going to greet the world with love”, or “Be immaculate with my language”, or “Ask questions”, or “Allow myself to be vulnerable”.

Words have incredible power and I like to make a path for my day’s journey instead of letting the day just happen to me.

Photo by Drop the Label Movement

a school morning routine you can stick to!

Now that you feel good and grounded you’re ready to wake up the kids!

You can’t control what the day will bring, but you can control how you handle it.

Starting the morning collecting your thoughts will make it much easier to get out the door on time. Especially if you have younger kids who have a harder time staying on task.

your turn

What are your non-negotiable morning rituals? Leave me a comment below!

more smile-inducing morning recipes

• Soft Ricotta Banana Bread
• Our Favorite Molasses Banana Bread
• Authentic Mexican Chilaquiles with Scrambled Eggs
• Coconut Milk Crepes with Lemon-Streaked Strawberries
• Torta de Jamón Breakfast Casserole
• Tres Leches French Toast Casserole
• Churro Bacon Waffles

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