This year we are back to the hybrid model school for our 3 older kids. On the days we head to school, we have some routines that help us get out the door on time. Having been through several mornings filled with mishaps, I finally learned that the morning power hour makes all the difference for getting started on the right foot. Our power hour routine changes depending on the day, but in this post, I am outlining how we start our school days, and what gets us all going!

• Get up and get dressed! I feel a big mental shift when I actually take the time to get dressed, wash my face, and put on a little makeup. It wakes me up, and also helps me feel ready to take on the day.
• Morning prayer + coffee – Starting the day with 10-15 minutes of silence is something I now look forward to. As you can imagine with 5 little ones, it’s often the only silence I get till nap times;)
• Wake up the kids – We get out uniforms the night before so we aren’t hunting for socks at 7AM, so after I wake them up, they can get dressed and ready themselves (unless I am braiding hair of course). While they are brushing teeth and getting dressed, Gabe and I get breakfast and lunches ready.
• Breakfast + Pack Lunches – Most mornings I will prep breakfast while Gabe preps lunches or vice versa. It makes it a ten minute part of the morning. We either do overnight oats, eggs and canadian bacon, or greek yogurt bowls. The babies are usually still sleeping during this whole power hour, which certainly helps speed things up!
• Daily Probiotics – . We managed to steer clear of sickness last year and I attribute it to 2 things: cutting out sugar and daily probiotics for the family. Our gut is linked to so many aspects of the way our bodies function, so focusing on gut health has been a priority of mine. (The gut makes up 70% of our immune system.) A healthy gut can positively boost not only your immune and digestive health, but also affects mood, memory, sleep, and child development. We have been using Renew Life Ultimate Flora Extra Care line and Kids’ Ultimate Flora chewables. The kids’ probiotics are berry flavor, so it is like a stampede of little feet whenever I pop that bottle out! I like these because there are no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners which was important to me. Renew Life Probiotics are also made with more good bacteria than the leading brand.
• Playlist on the drive to school – We have a 20 minute drive to school so my kids always request music. I have a few playlists made with their favorite soundtracks, which definitely contribute to a smooth squabble-free ride to school! I also take advantage of this time to say a little prayer with them, and go over our family mottos. (ie: Always look for the person who needs a friend, respect for our teachers, attitude of service, etc.). I look forward to that short time with them.

Even if the day ends up being a tough one, it’s incredible how a positive start can impact how you face the day. I certainly see this for myself, and I see it for my children as well. I used to be a more fly by the seat of my pants type of person until the fast pace of my life finally demanded I be more intentional with every hour.

I would love to hear how you start your days because I know it looks differently around the world! What gets you going? **Check out the Renew Life Back to School sweepstakes, where you can share your own tips and pictures of your morning Power Hour routine for a chance to receive a Renew Life Back to School Power Hour kit, product bundles and other prizes! https://www.renewlife.com/powerhour

*Thank you Renew Life Probiotics for sponsoring this post. Opinions are my own.