How to Create Your Perfect Morning Routine

Learn how to build a morning routine that helps you start your day feeling calm, organized, and ready for school. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. List your must-dos. Write down everything you have to do before you leave the house, such as brushing your teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing your bag. Don't worry about the order yet, just get it all on paper.
2. Put it in order. Look at your list and decide which tasks make the most sense to do first. For example, it is usually easier to get dressed before you eat breakfast so you don't get crumbs on your clothes.
3. Estimate your time. Ask a grown-up to help you time how long each task actually takes. Write those minutes next to each item on your list so you know exactly how much time you need to get ready.
4. Make your visual chart. Draw your list on your poster board using your markers. You can add checkboxes or space for stickers next to each task so you can mark them off as you complete them each morning.
5. Test your plan. Try your new routine the next morning. If you find you are running out of time for one step, talk to a grown-up about adjusting your wake-up time or moving some tasks to the night before.