7 Ways to Redeem Your Morning Routine

2/24/2024

By: Tarsis Martinez

Ensuring your child gets to school on time can be a daily challenge, especially after losing an hour of sleep due to daylight saving time. In this article, Mrs. Tarsis Martinez – Lower School Principal at Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood – presents a concise and actionable guide to help parents redeem their morning routine and set their children up for success in school and life!

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It is often said that “time is money,” but it is much more than that. It is a valuable and finite resource, and how we choose to use it reflects our character and priorities.

One of the fruits of the Spirit, self-control (Galatians 5:22), requires that we be wise about how we spend the precious commodity of time and manage our schedules.

In a school environment, punctuality is a crucial aspect of personal responsibility and academic success for students. Being on time to class and avoiding tardiness are important habits that can significantly impact a student’s academic performance and his/her overall development as a responsible individual.

However, as parents, we know that arriving to school on time can be easier said than done. Maybe your mornings are marked by chaos, and it seems that every day there’s a new reason as to why you’re running late. While some delay-causing factors may be out of your control, there are also many within your control.

With daylight saving time around the corner (March 10, 2024), we will be “springing forward” and losing an hour of sleep, which can wreak havoc on kids' morning routines. To help you prepare for this time change, I’ve put together a list of practical ways to streamline your mornings so no time is wasted as it relates to your child’s education.

Establish a Routine
Create a morning routine with specific tasks and timeframes for your child to follow. Include activities like waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing his/her school bags. Check out this Morning Magnet system recommended by Susan Kruger – a nationally recognized and certified learning specialist.
Communicate Expectations
Clearly communicate your expectations regarding morning routines and punctuality with your child. Encourage open communication and address any challenges or concerns he/she may have.
Prepare the Night Before
Encourage your child to lay out his/her clothes, pack his/her backpack, and complete any homework assignments the night before. This simple step can save a lot of time in the morning.
Set Alarms
Use alarms or timers to keep your child on track with his/her morning routine. Set alarms for waking up, getting dressed, and leaving the house to ensure you all stay on schedule. According to a recent Australian study, participants who woke up to a melodic song experienced lower levels of morning grogginess compared to those who chose a beeping sound (Stieg, 2020).
Limit Screen Time
Minimize distractions like watching TV or playing video games in the morning. Encourage your child to focus on morning tasks to avoid delays. I also recommend that students do not have phones in their bedrooms at night, which can cause them to go to bed late and wake up tired the following morning.
Offer Incentives
Consider implementing a rewards system to motivate your child to get ready on time. Rewards could include extra playtime in the evening or a special treat on the weekends. You can also reward your child each quarter if he/she doesn’t accumulate any tardies (perhaps with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, Build-A-Bear, or the movies).
Be a Role Model
Show your child the importance of punctuality, demonstrate good time management skills, and prioritize being on time for activities and appointments. We can’t simply tell children “do as I say, not as I do.”

Remember, consistency is key when establishing a morning routine. By implementing these tips and making punctuality a priority in your household, you’ll not only redeem your mornings, but also help your child develop good habits that will serve him/her well throughout schooling and life.

You got this, friend. Comment below to let me know how these tips work out for you and your family!

Tarsis Martinez has served as the Lower School Principal at Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood since 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Education from Liberty University and is passionate about academic success and growth. Tarsis attends The Local Church located in Davie, FL.

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