Weekday mornings are a hurdle for any family with small children. From getting them out of bed and into the bathroom, coordinating the proper attire, providing a nutritious breakfast and then hauling them to preschool in the nick of time—it can be a real challenge. The guide below offers advice for making the process go more smoothly.

How to Get Your Children Ready for the School Day

1. Choose Clothing the Night Before

Basketball tops with tutus, shorts in the middle of winter, or wearing something two sizes too small—young kids definitely tend to have their own hard-held ideas for how they want to dress. As such, getting them ready in the morning can be a time-wasting negotiation. Therefore, try to get their preschool outfit together the evening beforehand to get their stamp of approval on appropriate clothing.

2. Have Some Morning “Me” Time

As a parent, you need time to get yourself together before getting the kids involved. Your personal morning routine might involve a quick workout, a relaxing shower, or a cup of coffee in an empty kitchen. Whatever it is, center yourself and make sure all your needs are taken care of before waking the children for preschool.

3. Establish a Morning Routine

When your children are used to a specific routine, events tend to run a lot more smoothly. Therefore, try to stay consistent. For example, as soon as you wake the children, have them head to the washroom to brush their teeth, put on the clothes that were set out the night before, and then head to the kitchen for breakfast. As much as possible, try to replicate this same schedule on the weekends, so they don’t get out of the habit.

If you’re looking for a preschool, daycare, or after-school care center for your children, consider Merry Manor School of Childhood in Lincoln, NE. Since 1971, their excellent staff has been caring for children from six weeks to 13 years old. The individualized care given to every child helps develop their social skills and promote academic development. Visit their website to learn more about their services and curriculum. Call (402) 466-2215 to speak with an enrollment specialist today.