7 Tips to Get Out the Door on Time

It’s back-to-school week here! With the excitement and the nerves also comes the anticipation of rushed and sometimes stressful mornings. My goal for this school year is to make it to school on time without rushing. It makes such a difference when we start the day off slowly and follow a routine. I know that this will require a lot of preparation (and self-discipline on my part!) Whether you’re trying to get out the door for school or any other activity, I am confident these tips will help your morning flow more smoothly.

Practice - Reflect back on recent stressful mornings…which parts were the most challenging? If a child is frustrated by not being able to put on their own shoes, can we help them master this skill more indendently? Making time in the slower afternoon or weekend to practice skills such as this can make the more hurried times less tense.

Prep Ahead - Certain choices and tasks can be done ahead of time to minimize the morning to-do list. For example, we can let children choose their outfit the night before. I also like to make packing snack boxes/lunches easier by chopping fruits and veggies and making sure the pantry is stocked on Sunday.

Organize Entryway - Although admittedly challenging to maintain, an organized entryway is a game changer for efficiently getting out the door. When everything we need for the morning is already at the front door, we eliminate the need to run around and zoom in and out the door before leaving. In our house, this means having low hooks for the kids’ backpacks and coats, a basket for socks and hats, and a low shelf for shoes. This also makes it easier for them to put everything away as soon as we get home.

Allow for Autonomy - Independence looks different at different ages, but even the youngest of toddlers want a sense of control. The more control they feel, the less meltdowns occur. This means giving them opportnities to get themselves ready. It also means offering choices. Can we let them serve their own cereal or make their own toast? Can they help pack their lunch box or backpack? Can they choose between the two pairs of shoes by the front door?

Routine Chart - Young children crave predictability and routine. It gives them comfort to know what comes next and confidence to be able to initiate that next step. Routine charts are a great way to establish a new routine. We have made a number of routine charts, cards, and checklists over the years, both with our own photos and these printables from The Creative Sprout. We typically reference these for the first few weeks of a new routine, and then bring them back out as needed throughout the year.

Set the Timer - Sometimes it’s simply the transition from morning play or breakfast to getting ready to go that’s the challenge. Our favorite tool for transitions are to set a song or a timer to indicate when it’s time to end one activity and start another. The kids know that when the song or timer ends/beeps, it’s transition time. Playing or singing the same song during a morning routine can be a really gentle but effective way to move things along.

10-minute Buffer - One trick I always count on is to prepare to be early. When we plan to be somewhere 10 minutes early, we are usually on time. That 10 minute buffer allows for the unpredictable and often inevitable slow down to occur! And occasionally, we’re actually early.

What are your favorite tricks to getting out the door smoothly?

Back-to-Preschool Essentials

It can be overwhelming to find the right gear for kids at school. Though there are far more options than I can list, here are some of my favorites for my own kids. I also consulted a current Montessori teacher for her favorites too! I hope this helps ease some of your decision making as we enter a new school year.

1. Water bottles 

The best water bottles are easy for kids to open and close and don’t leak. I prefer stainless steel to plastic as it’s more environmentally friendly and keeps water cooler but plastic (BPA free) does allow children to see when their water is running low. Simply Modern has fun designs and has held up well over time. Camelbak has both stainless steel and plastic options. 

• Simply Modern - fun designs, stainless steel

• Camelbak - stainless steel or BPA-free plastic

2. Backpacks

There are lots of backpacks that can work. I look for one that they can comfortably wear themselves. It should be big enough to hold a lunch box and a change of clothes but not so big that it falls off their shoulders. A stretchy side pocket that holds a water bottle is ideal.

• Pottery Barn Kids - various sizes, straps on the back for a nap mat or jacket, water bottle pocket

• Skip Hop - fun animal options, water bottle pocket, good size for preschoolers

3. Lunch Boxes
The most important feature for me when looking for a snack or lunch box is that my children can open it themselves. I like having various small compartments to keep lunch or snack interesting.

• Planet Box - customizable, fun colors and patterns, great for lunches

• Lunch Bots - simple on/off lid, great size for snacks or small lunch

• Bentgo - leak-proof, plastic, great for luches too

4. Indoor Shoes

Montessori preschools typically require indoor shoes or slippers. I look for slippers that are sturdy but not bulky, have one simple velcro strap, a wide toe box, flat arch, flexible sole, and of a natural fabric so they stay cool. 

• See Kai Run - comfortable, easy to put on, our favorites!

• Kamik - similar but slightly thicker

5. Labels 

Most schools also ask for each item your child brings or wears to school to have a name on it. When choosing labels, the most important feature is that it stays on through washes and wear! I especially love ones that have a detail that's easy to spot, like a flower or a frog.  

• Bright Star - fun colors and details, iron-on options for clothing as well as stickers for items such as water bottles and snack containers.

• No-Iron - inexpensive, basic white, no-iron lables for clothing

Bonus: Masks

I recognize that schools and parents differ on this topic but if you need or want a mask for a young child, here are some recommendations! I look for masks that fit properly, stay over their nose/chin and out of their mouths with minimal adjustments, have adjustable ear loops, are breathable and comfortable, and are machine washable. Adding a lanyard can make it easier to put them back on.

• Vistaprint - fun patterns, lightweight and breathable, stays on well

• Primary - affordable, colorful, soft, elastic behind head

• Jaanuu - very comfortable, stays out of mouth, great ear straps

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