Mornings can be one of the most stressful parts of the day for families. As a mum with two boys now in secondary school, E is going into year 11 this September, and M will be in year 8. I am all too familiar with the chaos September mornings bring as we all get used to getting back into a schedule for the start of the school year.

Navigating mornings with tween/teen boys is a lot more challenging at times than when they were younger; it’s not always as easy as you think it might be now that they’re able to do more for themselves. Sometimes, the more they can do for themselves, the less they do. And I’m pretty sure it’s not just boys of this age who present these problems; any child in secondary school would be like this.

While it’s tempting to resort to nagging or give in to chaos, it’s always a good idea, I think, to get organised right from day one of the new school year and finally give the impression everything is under control, even if it lasts for a week before it all falls apart.

Here are ten realistic ways to make school mornings less stressful and get everyone out the door on time, without the drama.

1. Get Bags and Uniforms Ready the Night Before

For older children, this means packing their own bag according to their timetable, not realising at 8:05 am that they have PE or a science practical. Encourage a nightly routine of checking the next day’s schedule, packing books and equipment, and laying out clothes to avoid the morning panic.

2. Use a Visible Weekly Timetable

Secondary school brings more variation in daily lessons, so having a clear, up-to-date timetable somewhere visible (like on the fridge or bedroom wall) can be a lifesaver. It helps students prepare ahead and stops them from forgetting important items like ingredients for food tech or a permission slip for a trip.

3. Make School Mornings Less Stressful by Making Them Tech-Free

Phones, TVs, and gaming consoles are huge distractions when time is limited. Implementing a ‘no screens until ready’ rule can be a game-changer, keeping everyone focused and on track. Once bags are packed and breakfast is eaten, screen time can be used as a reward for being ready early, not the reason they’re running late.

4. Set Alarms That Actually Work

Many teens struggle to get up in the morning, especially if they’ve stayed up too late. A reliable alarm clock — ideally not their phone — and a set wake-up time each day helps regulate sleep. Parents might need to step in with a reminder, but it’s about building habits that eventually stick.

5. Make Breakfast Grab-and-Go Friendly

Older children often skip breakfast, especially if they’re rushing. Keep quick, nutritious options on hand, like cereal bars, fruit, or breakfast muffins, that can be eaten on the go. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than sending them to school on an empty stomach.

6. Agree on Bathroom Schedules

In families with multiple children, bathroom bottlenecks are common. Create a fair morning rota so everyone has enough time to shower, brush their teeth, and do their hair without clashing. Having mirrors and essentials in bedrooms can also reduce pressure on the main bathroom.

7. Create a Launch Pad by the Door

Having a designated area for shoes, coats, bags, and anything that needs to go to school saves a lot of time and shouting. A bench, a few hooks, or labelled boxes can keep things organised and avoid the classic “Where are my trainers?!” moment.

8. Give Older Kids Responsibility

As children get older, they should take increasing ownership of their mornings; this can be a great way to make school mornings less stressful. Whether that’s setting their own alarm, checking their timetable, or remembering their lunch, letting them take control (with a bit of backup) is a proud moment for parents. It helps build independence and reduces the mental load on parents, reassuring them that their kids are growing up well.

9. Leave Some Buffer Time

Aim to be ready 5–10 minutes before actually needing to leave. This buffer time is a lifesaver for making school mornings less stressful. Giving space for last-minute dashes back inside, forgotten water bottles, or simply putting on shoes without shouting. A bit of breathing room makes the entire morning feel calmer and parents more relaxed and prepared for the day ahead.

10. Accept That Some Mornings Will Still Be a Mess

Even with the best plans, some mornings will be frantic. Uniforms will mysteriously vanish, someone will refuse to get out of bed, and toast will be dropped butter-side-down. That’s family life. Try not to carry the stress through the rest of the day — each morning is a fresh start.

Do you have any other tips for making school mornings less stressful?

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