Word of the Week - Routine

We have almost finished the first week of the new school term. The week has had it's highs and lows, but we've made it. 

It's always tough getting back in to something after 9 weeks away from it, the massive change in routine is something that takes getting some used to, and so my word of the week this week is...


Yes, gone are the lazy mornings in our pj's, we actually have to get dressed when we get up now... imagine that!

The school routine has well and truly started. For me this means 6.45 starts, which in my opinion should be made illegal. Ok, I'm well aware that some children have their parents up at this time in the morning everyday, and I feel for you, I really do, but for us, this isn't normal!

The wee man doesn't like school, and not just in your normal 'school sucks' kind of way, I mean it really stresses him out. To try and eliminate any extra stress, we have quite a set routine in the morning, so he knows what is coming and what to expect.

After getting uniforms and snack bags ready, I wake the rest of the house at 7.30 and we get breakfast. At 7.45 we get our teeth brushed, and then we all get dressed. At 7.55 we check the school bags and everything are ready, and that the kids have everything they need. This leaves 25 minutes free time so that the kids can relax before leaving for the school bus at 8.25. This allows Neil to indulge in his special interest for a bit before school, which helps relax and calm him.

This is Caitlin's first year as part of the busy school routine. She didn't go to nursery, and last year she favoured sitting watching TV in her pyjamas as I got Neil ready. This year things are a bit more hectic, trying to sort two kids uniforms, two bags, two snacks, the two kids both needing to get dressed at the same time, running frantically from room to room trying to sort them both out.

I'm not great at being organised, remembering who needs what, and when for.

God help me when I need to start co-ordinating who needs their library books on what day, and after school clubs, and all that jazz. I may need to re think our routine as the year goes on, or try and organise myself a bit better, or I'll end up frazzled by the end of the year! Also, if someone could add a few extra hours to the night so I could get a bit more sleep, that would really help...

But anyway, we have managed to navigate the mornings as best we can, and despite my moaning we have started to settle back in to some sort of routine. It's now Thursday night, almost at the end of the first week. One more crazy morning rush and then we can relax for two days, and pretend 6.45 doesn't exist before it all starts again on Monday!

How have you coped with the back to school routine. Do you have any tips for managing that morning mayhem?
The Reading Residence

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4 comments:

  1. Oh gosh the school routine is a wake up call! Glad you've got through the first week. Enjoy your two days off! X #WOW

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  2. I love this time of year! My boys were back on Wednesday and when my alarm clock dinged I hopped out of bed... well that's not actually true! No, 6.45am should not exist, you're right. I see it every day, including weekends! Unfortunately I don't have any tips, just get through it as best you can. It's all a learning process anyway and none of us are perfect. Or at least I hope not! ;)

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  3. We have this to come this very week! 6.45 is a good get up time for me, though, so that part doesn't trouble me, it's just getting them sorted and out into the madness that is the school run that's going to be fun! Thanks for sharing with #WotW x

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  4. I tend to get up earlier and get myself ready and then get the kids up, but I hate the rushing around so I always get them up a little earlier so it is a bit more relaxed and less frenetic! #WotW

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