11 Morning Habits of Straight-A Students
No snooze buttons allowed:-Everything else in your morning depends on getting up on time so just get up, even if you are tired. Besides, snooze buttons really dont help you get more sleep anyhow!
Dress before leaving the bedroom:-
Wandering around in pajamas all day is fun but save it for the weekends when you can really enjoy it. Most kids Readers Digest talked to said they choose their outfit the night before so they can step out of bed and into their clothes. Some parents even confessed they have their elementary-aged kids sleep in their clothes for the next day so they can wake up and be on the go. But no matter how kids get dressed, they have to stay dressed. No changing outfits a million times!
Chicken and waffles... for breakfast:-Having a healthy breakfast is one of the best things kids can do to get their brains ready for a long day of learning. But shoveling down a bowl of cereal or a granola bar is not going to cut it, according to the latest nutrition research. Scientists from Duke University found that eating a breakfast full of healthy fats, whole grains, and a serving of protein helped kids learn new things faster and remember them better later. So skip the sugary fare and think meals like eggs and Scottish oats, avocado on whole-grain toast or even serve up some leftovers from dinner the night before—there is no rule that says you cant have chicken for breakfast! Check out these energizing breakfasts for kids
Locked, stocked, and ready to rock:-You can only get an A on that homework assignment if you have it to turn in! Smart kids (and their parents) know to get all their school necessities including homework, lunches, and permission slips, packed up in their bag and placed in the same spot every day, along with coats, mittens, or other school gear. Then you dont waste precious morning minutes looking for the paper you swear you were just holding.
Rushing is for water, not kids:-
The number-one problem we heard from kids and parents about morning routines was being rushed. Hurrying often means losing shoes, missing breakfast, forgetting homework, and a lot of yelling. Faster is not always better, especially if it leads to a meltdown (of either the kid or adult variety). So if you are short on time keep things calm and cool, even if it means letting something small, like hair brushing, fall through the cracks. One day wont hurt them and bed-head is all the rage now anyhow!
Life is a musical:-Music can help keep kids moving and get their creative juices flowing. Pick something energetic that the whole family enjoys and let it play in the background while you get ready. Or if they play an instrument, and you have time, morning is the perfect time to practice as it primes their brain for learning. One study from John Hopkins University found that both playing and listening to music helps improve academic performance in 16 different ways, including increasing focus and memory while reducing stress.
Take a few minutes to meditate or pray:-A few quiet minutes of self-reflection is good for body and soul and helps kids start the day feeling centered. It has educational benefits too: Children who practiced mindfulness every day significantly improved their memory and knowledge retention, according to a study done by Concordia University. And a separate study from the University of Exeter found that it made kids feel less stressed and increased their sense of well-being.
Schedule, schedule, schedule, and then schedule some more:-
You cant stay on schedule if you dont know what it is in the first place! Having a large calendar where everyone can see it can help the whole family see the plan for the day and the week. Then break down the mornings tasks on a poster to help kids see what needs to get done next. (Older kids benefit from making their own task list.) There is something very satisfying for kids about being able to check items off a list. Dressed? Check. Teeth brushed? Check. Excellent day ahead? Double check!
Ten minutes of exercise:-
Chances are kids dont have the time (or desire) for a full workout first thing in the morning but some vigorous movement can not only help wake them up faster but can set them up for success in the classroom. Whether it is jumping up and down the stairs, bouncing on a mini-trampoline, doing push-ups or just chasing each other around the yard, even ten minutes can improve childrens attention, memory, and learning skills in the classroom, according to a study published by Active Living Research. Plus it never hurts to get the wiggles out before a long day of sitting!
Follow the same routine every day:-
The fewer decisions that have to be made in the morning, the better. Having a set morning routine takes the guess work out of what needs to get done. Plan a certain breakfast for each day (i.e. Waffle Wednesdays or Toast-n-eggs Tuesdays), have a hanging organizer with five days of outfits already picked out, place the toothbrushes and toothpaste in cups by the sink, and then do each thing in the same order every day. This way kids dont waste time waffling over too many choices and everyone knows what to expect.
No social media:-
It is oh-so-tempting for older kids to check their Snapchats, Instagrams or other social media first thing in the morning but nothing derails a schedule like the black hole of "just one more minute" on electronics. Plus, if they see something upsetting, it may throw them off for the rest of the day. Save this one for after school or, at the very least, on the ride to school.
Related Albums
Your Reaction?