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How to make school mornings easier
LANSING, Mich., (WLNS) – It's Parenting Connection Tuesday, and 6 News is here for you with tips, strategies, and helpful reminders from local child development experts on how we can be better parents and guardians.
Today's topic: How to make school mornings easier.
Thousands of Michigan students are getting back to class this week and next. There's a lot of excitement, anxiety, and I'm sure, a hope by all parents and caregivers that this year will be great — but for that to happen, many experts say, it starts with a smooth Velez, the spokesperson for says, mornings can be a universal pain point for many, especially when seasons change and kids are headed back to school. I had the chance to speak with her about some practical ways to have a smooth morning, avoid issues, and create a calm goodbye even when running late.
'We always say, start the night before,' says Velez. 'You are checking the weather, picking out the clothes, anything to avoid those morning scrambles.' Sge adds, 'A smooth morning before school starts reduces stress, helps provide a sense of calm, and makes them feel prepared and confident for the day.'
Here are some top tips for a smoother morning:
Start the night before. Easy things like laying out clothes, packing the snack and/or lunches, and double-checking backpacks.
Use gentle, predictable wake-ups. Velez says, it's a great way to start the day from your child's perspective. You can use soft lighting and/or music, or you can use a Wake to Rise clock that gradually makes the room brighter, with an option of sounds or music.
Build in mini moments of connection. This means chatting with your child during breakfast or the ride to school to get updates about the day or week ahead.
Remain calm, even when running late. Velez says, take a few seconds to regulate with a proper goodbye to send everyone off with peace.
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