How to manage together the morning rush before school? Super Nanny's advice

By Marine Chassang FilipePublished on ShareSend by email

The mornings in the speed, we all know. Between the "snoozes" (which allow you to ring the alarm on your phone again), the big one who doesn't want to get out of bed and the youngest who hangs around to get dressed... It's a real "first day” experienced by parents between when their children wake up and when they arrive at work. The morning rush is often a race against time, where we strive to do everything quickly. Sylvie Jenaly, alias Super Nanny* gives us her advice to start the day calmly.

Save time in the morning

What if the key to a peaceful morning was good organization? Prepare the whole family's clothes the night before - taking care to check the weather and everyone's schedule so you don't have to start all over again after peeking out the window -, set the breakfast table before to go to bed, to bathe in the evening... In the morning, any minute is good to take! And if, on your side, you manage to opt for a (very) early morning alarm clock, it's even better. To enjoy an hour all to yourself, time for a relaxing bath or a video yoga class, and to take the time to get ready without children in your paws. Once ready, you can devote yourself solely to them.

Have a good breakfast

Breakfast remains the most important meal of the day. Sweet, savory, both, everyone's preferences don't matter, as long as the children go to school with something in their stomachs! The ideal is to devote between 20 and 30 minutes to it, and as a family, it's even better to start the day well together. If you're really into speed, a small cake taken and eaten on the way can do the trick, as long as it doesn't become a habit. Do we dress or eat first? There are no rules, we adapt to the child.

Act gently (and in a good mood)

Waking up your big baby, all asleep, all warm, that's for sure, it hurts the heart. And when you get there, he whines or growls half the time. The solution: let him wake up alone, by himself, making noise in the house (music, closet doors, laughter...), but not at the last moment. It takes children a while to emerge (10-15 minutes), especially if going to bed the night before was difficult. Plan an average of one hour at home, before departure, can be enough, it all depends on the school-home journey time which must also be taken into account.

Does your child groan or not listen? Find tips and keep calm. You can ask him things in the form of a parent-child game, without emotional competition (better than between brothers and sisters, to avoid unnecessary jealousy): “Which of us will succeed in putting on his shoes first? », ask him what he would like to do after school, promise him a quality play time in the evening, explain to him that he should have breakfast now so that the day passes more quickly, etc. .

Mornings with several children

We can ask the oldest if he can manage himself, reminding him that we trust him. We can even ask him to give us a hand to dress the little one who still needs help, this will enhance him in his role as big brother. Younger children are sometimes more accepting of having their elders take care of them rather than their parents! If you have a baby who stays at home, he can play in his deckchair or in his playpen while the tribe gets ready and keep his pajamas on for the journey. With twins, who often have the same requests at the same time, if both parents are available, so much the better, if not... We do as we can!

Should there be (quiet) playing time?

Playtimes are not an obligation, but they can help establish calm, contribute to a nice awakening, bringing a touch of good humor in the house. It can also make the oldest child wait, if his little brother is in trouble or needs help, and even all the siblings if you yourself are not completely ready yet. Just keep in mind that if the children start playing, they will have to stop at some point (remember to warn them in advance). On the other hand, it is better to avoid games on smartphones. The child, in interaction, will begin to use his brain to succeed in the game even before arriving at school, it is a pressure that is not necessary.

Optimize the journey

The school is close to home and your child manages the scooter or the bike like a pro? Why not if the journey is safe (no stress), if it doesn't add an extra mental load to you: what to do with the car afterwards if you can't leave it at school? A ride hand in hand, or in the car, is always a good way to start the day with a chat and a song.