Our School Morning Routine | 2018 Back to School

[@shellyk5423]

Love your parenting style...allowing your child to work and still be in a loving home. They have realistic boundaries which give them confidence.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you Shelly, I appreciate that!!

[@sarahmason3337]

We do a lot the night before: kids pick out full outfits, locate shoes, locate backpack, locate coat/gloves. Showers are also at night. We also make all sandwiches for the week at the start of the week and freeze them, then kids grab a sandwich from the freezer and stick it in the fridge the night before. Go-gurts and clementines/apples are at the front of the fridge where kids can grab them quick. My kids are responsible (since age 7) for getting their own breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and packing lunch. We get up at 7a and drive away at 7:30a.

[@andreatherese1099]

I find that hour goes so quickly! We pack our lunches after dinner so it's one less chore in that limited time. If you have two stories it is a good idea to all get dressed before heading downstairs because the up and down the stairs is a time waster. I think you are so right about attitude!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! These are great tips. Alot of times they'll change the night before and sleep in their school clothes, too, works for me!!

[@KR-kv5dv]

One tip I have for moms with little ones with glasses is to have a designated spot for their case where their glasses go when they go to bed each night. Ours is in the kitchen window next to the door. Since we have an eat in kitchen, they put them on when they come down for breakfast, and then put them back in the case at night right before going to bed. Saves the last minute madness of where are my glasses.

[@shonadcruz492]

Dawn, you are an incredible mom. Our son has to leave home at 7. I have these silicone covered glass containers which we fill with leftovers the night before. In the morning, quick microwave and into an insulated bag. This works for us and saves a bunch of time.

[@arinashames6167]

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us. This is super helpful to me. I have never had structure in my household when I was growing up. Things were very hectic. Therefore now as I’m a parent I’m having trouble with structuring my day and simply am not aware of certain things like having your kids doing their own school prep!!!! That’s an eye-opener for me😁😁 I’m looking forward to see all the routines that you have established in your household. I’m particularly interested in chores that you have for your kids and what is appropriate for each age.🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CalmCottage5]

I found this video last year and it really resonated with me. I put your tips into action and our mornings went so much more smoothly, happy, and with a great tone. It came up in my feed again today. Thank you again for being inspired to make this and share what you learned with your family. Have a blessed day! 💗

[@brandyching8851]

I was thinking about this video today as I unpacked my kids lunches after Mother's Day Out ( they are 2.5 & 4). One of the things you said really stuck with me. I used to really worry about my kids lunches - I spent a lot of time planning them. Since watching this video, I focus much less time on the lunches and much more time on their breakfasts! We now take much more time having a good breakfast, and they are happier during the day, aren't as hungry for lunch, and aren't as hungry when they get home! They also are happier when they get home and are less tired. Thanks for mentioning that- it really gave me permission to release the guilt and also gave us some purposeful, planned quality time in the morning together. The video overall has been so great! Thanks again. I really likw how you think!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Wow, I'm SO glad to hear this!!! I remember reading one time that toddlers really only eat one "good" meal per day, and its funny how that took this big weight off of me when they just picked at some of their meals. And then as I observed them, I realized how true it was!

[@bethlewis9981]

I discovered years ago that it is not really any more painful to get up at 6am than to get up at 6:30. That extra half hour will not save your life!. I got the kids up half an hour earlier than they "needed" to do that cut down on the rushing around. Some times they even had a few quiet minutes to play before school. We were all more relaxed and therefore more cheerful and pleasant!!

[@alamasama]

That's amazing what your kids do. I do their lunches the night before. And they breakfast only 2 options porridge or peanut butter toast and fruit. The old one dresses himself. That's it. I use the stainless steel tiffins for their lunch. We are trying to stay away from plastic. Your routine is amazing

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you!

[@libermama]

I really needed the reminder to be PRESENT with my children. I am a new subscriber, but I am loving all your videos! Thank you for being such an inspiration. 😊

[@han.nah.]

I am so thankful for your videos! Soooo helpful in thinking about a family!! Especially all the practical tips in this one- I love how you are so focused on teaching them self discipline and responsibility! It gives me hope lol!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Hahaha, if you are already researching and taking all of this in you are going to be an AWESOME mom Hannah! I'm just fortunate to have been surrounded by some really wise people over the year and *try* to learn from my mistakes ;)

[@lauramorris4632]

Your videos are truly making me a better parent! Thank you so much! This is so well thought out. Mornings when I was growing up were horrific! I am 30 yrs old and still remember how stressful they were. I can't wait to implement your strategies to help my daughter's mornings be better. You are so intentional. Thanks again!

[@athenacomeau4866]

Thank you for creating this video! I would LOVE to see a video explaining/showing your nighttime routine. That is another big daily transition time, and I would love to know any tips/tricks/perspective you could provide on the topic. Thanks again!

[@chavezmirandam]

Thank you so much! I really needed to be reminded of that first tip. I just found you and I’m already binging your channel! I love your practical and simple advice. I am getting ready to simplify kids toys, so that series has been so helpful!

[@kaltaylor01]

Now I am curious about what time the kids go to bed and what their bedtime routine looks like.

[@anniefenter8697]

She said in another video, 7:00 pm

[@ruthlloyd1163]

Cracked up watching your son go out the door barefoot- hopefully he had shoes in his hands 😂. Great routine in the morning, loved the built in consequences for not following through!

[@deniselittle5558]

LOL, he did not have shoes in his hand. I'm gonna guess it was a going to school reenactment that went a little wrong haha

[@lorigregory7745]

Fantastic routine! I love how your kids know ahead of time what the positive and negative consequences will be for choices!

[@reginashdown]

Your vids are so well explained that the work is actually doable. Thank you 💛💡

[@juliapearse1514]

I make the lunch the night before and lay clothes out. It helps in the morning just to grab everything, get ready and go. 👍

[@maggiedrouillard4272]

Love this video!! Lots of great tips- especially the breakfast menu. I encourage as much prepared as possible the night before since my kids are not morning people. Thank you!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you! I always have good intentions for getting stuff ready at night (this would be my preference!) but we never stick with it consistently, but I'm a morning person, so I'd rather tackle it in the morning...my kids are a mix of morning and not morning people ;)

[@midlifewoman4205]

The Minimal Mom hello. Do you find that your “not a morning person “ really doesn’t feel like eating soon after they get up? That holds us up a bit in the morning.

[@auntpurl5325]

Brilliant! Love that they make their own lunches. They're more likely to eat them, plus important life skills to foster indepence.

[@katrinago4896]

Thank you for the motivation and inspiration! The tips are all very helpful for both parents and children ❤️

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank YOU! I appreciate it!! :)

[@lenabigonia333]

I love the backpack dump idea!

[@TheMinimalMom]

The kids think it is fun...its always amazing to see what they come back home with in their backpacks that they didn't leave home with ;)

[@findingaway5512]

Yes!!!!! Those are my favorite lunch boxes!!! I add to them every year. Now we have 5 lunch ones one salad one. Wow your kids are so independent!!! Job training them mama. I just recently found you I'm loving your videos!!! We are far from minimalist here. But I really want to make things more simple less cluttered this year.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Glad to have found you, too! :)

[@BigSmashKing]

I just love you! You are so candid and real. Way to go mama!!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank you, that means alot to me!! :)

[@alexamunoz7943]

Good perspective on lunch! I like to make big batches of French toast and waffles/pancakes (put in a couple eggs and milk to add protein). Freeze them to reheat whenever. Helps for the mornings when I do NOT want to cook first thing. Which is most days 😉 sometimes they want chicken and cheese taquitos for breakfast. I’m good with that too.

[@dowhatyoulove3216]

My trick is to do as much as possible the night before. I also set my alarm for 7 that's when I get myself and my baby ready. Then the big kids have their alarm at 715. (Age 4 and 6) they can do most of the getting ready all by themselves but they need me to be present and just to prompt and make sure we are doing things on time. This works most of the time but obviously some days are more stressful than others lol

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! Glad to hear this works for you, too! And yes, we still have those days, too...but they seem fewer and further between now ;)

[@dowhatyoulove3216]

The Minimal Mom of course 😊and thanks for sharing, love watching your videos x

[@rheajean7021]

I love this video!!! So relevant in a mom’s life!!!

[@intentionallymade]

You have the best intros! I love your closet setup! Your videos have been SO helpful this summer and I can’t thank you enough!!

[@msmary126]

I love all these tips!! Especially the "if your lunch box isn't in the dishwasher you wash it yourself" tip!!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Is it bad that I usually hope that they don't put it there so that I don't have to wash it?? ;) I'm glad we're using less baggies but the little containers can be a pain to wash!! ;)

[@cynthiaseymour4541]

I love your idea for a backpack dump.

[@lindseywhite4279]

Everyone I know thinks I have an amazing friend named Dawn. Haha, you inspire me in so many ways! I am grateful for you!

[@rachelarmstrong807]

Hi Dawn, thanks for your videos! Today, the kids and I watched the one you did on simplicity parenting and then the kids requested rewatching this one. They see your kids' clean rooms and want to go clean their own rooms! We homeschool at the moment and are trying to set better routines and daily habits. Do you have a 'day in the life' video or suggestions for us? Thanks!

[@mamastern]

I love the idea of setting an alarm for “mom mode”. Love that!

[@LearningAsWeGrow2017]

I love your attitude and all your tips! This was a great episode. I LOVE the idea of the backpack dump.

[@TheMinimalMom]

THANK YOU I greatly appreciate that!! And yes, the kids think the backpack dump is fun because they get to basically make a mess...but then they have to clean it right back up ;)

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh I just checked out your channel...what a journey you've been on! I'll look forward to following along :)

[@Averil07111]

All I can say is... THANK YOU LORD THAT I FOUND YOU

[@alexamunoz7943]

Xx Luna Darkrose xX 101 Honestly! Dawn helped change my mindset/perspective and I feel so motivated! No other channel or source has made such a difference.

[@stephaniechesser902]

I’m not a morning person but when I get up an hour before my kids it helps my mood and attitude too

[@Csoupir]

Love this video! We just got an Aldi in November so I'll be keeping my eye out for those lunch boxes with my fingers crossed come summer/fall. I did find them on Amazon for about $15 made by Cool Gear (for anyone that wants to search for them). Can you share what kind of chores you give your kids if they don't make it to the car on time? We have repeating alarms for the morning and my least favorite quote is "well at least we made it by the 4th alarm". I'd be interested in any tips you have for chores with kids as a fellow MN mama of 4!

[@heyiexist5077]

Im a Child, Tho I want to show my Mom this Tip Just beacause Of Tip #1 (I think) Would help, ALOT Anyways! Thanks for the video!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Ah, interesting to hear from a child's perspective!! Sometimes we moms get too focused on what needs to be done and forget about this ;)

[@heyiexist5077]

True Though ;)

[@RjTnMommy]

Thank you! Your mornings look very similar to ours. I have 4 kiddos, including a set of twins. They are all in school this year, so we found that we had to adjust our mornings. I get up at 6 and get ready(I'm a stay at home mom, so that just means getting coffee and getting dressed). The rest of my family is up at 6:30. Like you, our kids have their own alarm clocks. However, they don't always hear them. 😉 We do 3 days warm food, 2 days cereal with a banana. Our lunches have been made significantly easier by just one trick. We take a loaf of bread, make our sandwiches and then place all of the sandwiches back into the bread bag. Our kids take out a sandwich and place it into a container and keep going. Sometimes we do homemade lunchables that they make the night before. We have hooks in each of our kids rooms, labeled for all 7 days, that way I can monitor what they are wearing. My 8 yr old like to put his play pants as part of his outfits most weeks... Thanks for your videos! You have made my organizing mind happy.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh I love the idea about the sandwiches in the bread bag!!! I think we need to implement this!!!!

[@debbieholt8261]

In case you haven’t seen or heard, Please heed the latest warnings on plastic items in the dishwasher as well as microwave. Plastic, even if BPA free and even if it says “dishwasher safe” should not be exposed to the level of heat that is in a dishwasher. Just fill the sink with some hot sudsy water for them to put their lunch boxes in and cleanup will be a breeze! Just take that extra couple of minutes to be safe from exposure to carcinogens. :). I love all of your tips! Sounds like you’ve given this a lot of thought and your family is benefitting from it!

[@TheMinimalMom]

You know, I know this, thank you for the reminder!!! Will definitely do! :)

[@kromero2863]

I'm so thankful for your videos and for your honesty. It's so reassuring to find someone with the same goals, ideals and problems :) I've started simplifying our life but find I get frustrated that I'm not done yet. I love projects and checking things off lists and find that I think I'm done, then after a while, it looks like I have more de-cluttering to do even though I haven't added anything. Do you ever really feel like you've "arrived"? Or is this something I just have to understand is going to be a continual process?

[@natashamccormack179]

Hi, i am a new subscriber and love and appreciate your advice and tips. I also find keeping my attitude in check AND getting a good night's rest helps for a much smoother morning with my 5 kids aged 4 months to 9 years. We also do hot breakfasts and the kids have their little personal tasks they must do each morning or night before. Uncluding designated spots for uniform, shoes, etc and it definitely makes a big difference! I love your shoe rack in this video! I need one, did you buy it off Amazon?

[@theptitnuage]

These are great tips! Thank you.

[@gerigowers8318]

I like how much they do for themselves. As a Grandma who has a 10 year old and 5 year old and my son living with me, my girls have to be up at 5:00 a.m. to get the school bus at 6:00 a.m. (in the dark). I KNEW that wasn't normal! I guess Grandma gets used to doing it all for them. Have to break that habit.

[@milparesblog]

girl, you just won a subscriber for life!

[@mariaperlman7425]

Hi. This was a great video! Your children are so independent. Any trick on instilling independence at a young age. I'm a new mom and my daughter is 2 yrs old. Thank you!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Have them help with everything! Unloading the dryer, putting clothes away, picking things up off the floor, tidying the entryway...they won't don't it well at first, but they take SO much pride in helping and in you trusting them! I have the happiest helpers now (most of the time ;) We'll be talking more about this in the new year, too! :)

[@harvardgsegirl]

My daughter would love that lunch box. What section should I look in at walmart? thanks!

[@shammah98]

when do you have them take baths? I struggle sometimes with getting my son to shower in the morning along with his other tasks

[@doctormimi9486]

This video was so helpful !

[@tinapospeshil5059]

love your organizations!

[@monicawalls8184]

8:32 home boy is straight up going to school without shoes lol

[@itoshiibaka8267]

I'm saving this video for when my son is school aged!

[@asawagerman8973]

Just found this chanel, sooo great!

[@sable747]

New to your channel! Do your kids have any shoes in their bedroom or all in that main closet? We are in the process of moving to a new state. We are going to rent for a year, but School has already started there. So, I think this is where I will start when we get to the new house!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh yes, that is a great idea! Because we have a large front closet, I keep all of their shoes in there, but if it were smaller I would only keep what easily fits in the hall closet and store the rest in their bedrooms. Our second oldest LOVES shoes, so the extra bin in the closet is mostly for her! The other three have about three pairs each that they really like and work for almost anything :) (I also store extra shoes in a bin in the basement, so I try to only keep out the shoes that fit)

[@SabrinasTVTube]

Wow this video was awesome! I needed to see this! Great tips!

[@michelle8143]

I know I am late to this video, but can you tell me where you got your entryway bench? We are looking to get rid of what we call the "shoe box" (it is a toybox, kind of ugly, not super functional) and use something like that.

[@TheMinimalMom]

Ikea! It was a little bit of an investment ($59.00) but well worth it!! www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50152703/

[@mgmoore08]

What kind of bento box do you use with that cold pack built in? 🤩

[@katiethomas5889]

I think that lunches should just be a few different options and a drink. And then you can rotate different items in them, and occasionally put in a treat.

[@tanyas7056]

Unschooling😀that’s my tip your mornings will run sooo much better !!

[@lesaa.8121]

So I am very curious. Did it take tough love for them to get the point about you not working yourself to wake them or help pack lunch? (Did anyone over sleep then run around rushing and without the exact lunch they wanted? I think mine would have to deal with this at least once that I'm not going to save them. 8 and 5 yr old boys.)

[@melissaschaub1275]

I am new to your site and videos. Actually, I discovered them today. Can you share your egg muffin recipe with me? I think that would help simply a protein packed breakfast for us too. Our family loves muffins because they are delicious, easy and portable. Thanks!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Thank YOU and good question, the recipe is from the Pioneer Woman and there should be a link in the description of this video :) :) :)

[@marypimmel-freeman6139]

I see the same Aldi's lunch box we have!

[@stacyhigginson170]

I like to make a ton of yummy breakfast burritos and freeze them individually. I pop one in the microwave for 2 minutes and then I have a yummy and healthy breakfast that I can even take on the go!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! I think that's basically what our breakfast tacos are but our kids think they don't like burritos and so we call them tacos ;)

[@stacyhigginson170]

The Minimal Mom haha that's too funny! Tacos make everything better ;)

[@chavezmirandam]

Some parts of the country call them tacos and some people say burritos. To me it’s all the same! Lol

[@courtenayhillger9716]

Would you share your egg muffin recipe?

[@TheMinimalMom]

Yes! I meant to include this link! Here is the recipe: thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/individual-sausage-casseroles/ I switch up the meat and other mix-ins to create variety. We use bacon, ham, leftover taco meat, different cheeses. Sometimes I'll make them in mini-muffin tins and the kids really like that. They also freeze perfectly and stay in the fridge well for several days :)

[@courtenayhillger9716]

DELICIOUS!! Thank you so so much! Really enjoying all of your simplifying and back to school videos 😊👍🏼

[@stephaniechesser902]

Can you provide name of lunch container so I can maybe find it on amazon we don’t have Aldi store on west coast

[@soniamedrano4417]

Love your videos 😍😍 min 8:34 🤣🤣😂😂 look at his feet

[@erika-xu1wg]

As a kid I can 100% say I would have skipped lunch just to sleep in another 15 mins 😂

[@CB-wt6uv]

What time do you get up?

[@Jessiemadanat]

Wow that is a tight schedule. We make lunches the night before and they sleep in their clothes it's all elastic waist anyway.

[@angelinthemissionfield]

Some friends of mine let their kids sleep in their clothes for the next day. Obviously this works for grade school kids who don't stink sweat yet. Lol.

[@myakymets835]

Can I ask, what time do you get up and what your own morning routine consists of for yourself- the mom

[@TheMinimalMom]

I've always been an early riser so I usually get up between 5:00 and 5:30 to get work done. I work mostly from home, so for me, this helps to get the day off to a good start and is pretty much the only time I can count on uninterrupted time to work. Then after I help the kids in the kitchen I get dressed and put a little bit of make up on, even if I'm just coming back home after I drop them off. If I have a meeting or an appointment that day I'll get fully dressed and ready. Fortunately, since simplifying my wardrobe, getting dressed is quick, and I only wash my hair every 4-5 days and I don't shower in the morning, usually at night when I need to, so that cuts down on the time it takes me to get ready in the morning.

[@ariesk9416]

I LOVE your videos! And i dont want to be "that person" lol but have you considered maybe integrating some PLANT proteins? Dairy in itself is just TERRIBLE for the human body and everyone can get just as much(or more) protein from plant based foods. Again this is just a suggestion, was just wondering if it was ever considered.

[@caitlinbasile2723]

My 6 yr old wakes up before our alram and is always grumpy

[@ranyafkhan1]

Where is your lunch box from?

[@TheMinimalMom]

I purchased the first two from Walmart three years ago, so I'm not sure if they still have them, but the most recent one I purchased from Aldi just this week :) I have found them on Amazon occasionally, but they were around $20 which is unfortunate!

[@TheMinimalMom]

(it was only $6.99 at Aldi!)