School mornings can be extremely challenging. The feeling of melancholy that accompanies the school holiday being over and anxiety of going back to school can be overwhelming for kids. Add to that the need to wake up early, get ready and head to school on time.

No one wants a stressful morning. Learn these easy tricks on how to better manage your and your kids’ mornings.

1. Keeping a calendar of events

Forgot that the annual school festival was around the corner? Or that all-important field excursion? Kids’ school and social lives can be more packed than we think and it certainly helps to stay one step ahead whenever possible.

Keeping a calendar helps us to stay organised and effectively manage our time. Having a record of all the appointments, school events, and activities in one place will help you instantly make changes to your usual schedule. 

2. Packing school bags the night before

Teach your kids the responsibility of packing their bags ahead of time to ensure they are ready to go without the risk of leaving essentials behind. 

Packing their bags also teaches them organisational skills, a sense of responsibility, independence, and self-sufficiency. When this task is incorporated into their daily routine, you can all start the day in a calm, positive, and organised manner. Ultimately, getting this done the night before means one less thing to worry about the morning after – a good habit worth cultivating.

3. Keeping a checklist

With your kids’ school, home and personal responsibilities to remember, a checklist is a valuable tool that can help you stay on top of things. In the case of morning rushes, diligently following a morning checklist makes it less likely to forget something and be subsequently delayed. As a family, make a list of the items needed for school and morning chores to complete – like brushing your teeth – and stick to it.

4. Cooking in bulk for lunch

Cooking in bulk can save you time and effort while ensuring meals are readily available for everyone without having to spend time each day preparing. Cooking by batches also makes it easier to prep multiple dishes to last multiple days; even up to a week. This helps to ensure some measure of diversity in the menu. You can also buy ingredients in bulk to save money and time, while also enjoying the freedom to choose healthier options.

Try making a batch of this Kakuni (Japanese braised pork belly). Cook this in the Thermos® Shuttle Chef® and pack it to school, using your Thermos® Lunch Set to keep it warm for at least 6 hours.

5. Preparing a simple breakfast

Start your day with a nutritious meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Steamed western omelettes (recipe here) are a nutritious and easy-to-make breakfast option that can be prepared the night before. Just reheat them in the morning and they’ll be good to go. Perfect for those packed days!

6. Staying hydrated

Make sure everyone in the family is well-hydrated to support their overall well-being. Rather than spending time fumbling with cups and the tap (especially with the morning daze in play), keep your family and yourself adequately hydrated from the get-go by keeping this Thermos® Carafe handy.