Being Ready for the Carpool Line Starts the Night Before
As a mom with two decades of experience, I’m happy to share a few tips to make the trip to school and drop-off run smoothly.
- Pack up the night before. Give your kids the responsibility of packing their backpacks and making their lunches the night before. If you leave too much do in the morning, you’ll likely increase everyone’s stress.
- Get up on time. Especially if your kids need time to wake up, give them the gift of time in the mornings.
- Make sure your kids have what they need. This is a great time to double-check backpacks and lunch bags for what’s needed. And, take the time to hug and kiss your kids while at home. (Believe me, as they get older, they’ll appreciate this being done at home—and not anywhere that their friends could see.)
- Leave on time. Again, allow ample time for the drive and drop-off.
- Enjoy the ride. Let your kids choose the music. Tell a joke for the day. Ask your kids what they’re excited about that day. Pray with them. And, if at all possible, save lectures and reminders for another time. (Ugh, I learned this the hard way.)
- Watch (and re-watch) Witherspoon’s TikTok tutorial. Be sure your kids are prepared to “tuck and roll” and begin their day.
