This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Getting 3 elementary schoolers out the door on time in the morning isn’t exactly the most Zen hour of our day… it’s a LOT to repeat yourself 3 times for 12 items to simply start the day, so this year we’re letting the kids take the reigns and giving them personalized morning routine lists so they know exactly what they need to do to head to the bus in the AM!
Morning Routine Checklist Details
You had some GREAT morning routine checklist ideas! A couple notes…
- Even though it’s essential a “to-do” list, no one likes being told what to do. So I’m framing each task as “have you… brushed teeth – yes/no” versus “brush your teeth – done/not done” – it’s definitely semantics but hoping it helps them feel a little more in control of their mornings
- I don’t care what order these tasks are done in – this goes back to the ‘control’ thing – let them do their thing, as long as it’s getting done!
- I created my lists based on each kid’s individual needs, ages & maturity levels. Below is a list of responsibilities or tasks you might want to include in your child’s list š
- I created a template if you want to make your own! It’s linked here – just click through this link! You DO have to have a Canva account to customize the graphic but it’s free š
My FREE Morning Routine Checklist Template for Canva
Morning Routine Checklist – TemplateMorning Routine Checklist Ideas
I broke out the morning routine checklist ideas into 3 sections – personal care, school, and household. Feel free to customize based on your needs! I only included things on my kids’ lists that I felt like I was constantly reminding them had to be done… so, for example, even though everyone needs to get dressed in the AM, including it on the list wasn’t a must for all my children ;).
Personal Care
| brush teeth |
| clothes on |
| move your body |
| brush/style hair |
| potty |
| vitamins / meds |
| eat breakfast |
| shoes/socks |
| deodorant |
| sunscreen |
| undies on |
| wipe face after breakfast |
| glasses / watch |
Household
| make bed |
| pjs in hamper |
| breakfast dishes in sink |
| turn off lights / sound machine |
| review expectations for the day / what’s after school |
| affirmations |
| pray |
| do/say something kind |
| feed dog / let dog out |
| hugs for parents / siblings |
School
| homework / folder in bag |
| backpacks packed – lunch, snack, water bottle |
| jacket/sweatshirt |
| computer / device packed |
| mask |
| water bottle |
| pack lunch |
| pack snack |
Other Morning Tips from Real Moms
- set an Amazon Alexa alarm on weekdays to signal it’s time to start getting ready/eat breakfast/head to the bus/etc – we have ours set to play our family hype song (Sunroof by Nicky Youre & dazy) every weekday at 7:45
- if you’re an Android family, someone suggested Google Family Bell which sounds like a similar concept!
- make a family rule that you don’t leave your room until you’re dressed (this will be a great idea for some families & not for others – and that’s OK!)
- do as much packing/prepping the night before – water bottles, non-perishable snacks, outfits picked, etc
- keep a “do you have” list on the front door as another reminder
Reusable Morning Checklist Supplies
I finally bought a laminator (get the bundle!) so these checklists would last longer than a week, ha! I also bought this pack of dry erase markers so the kids could choose their own color/vibe. I keep them in a random clear cereal container near the door, nothing fancy!
