Monsoon Season for Kids: How to Make Rainy School Mornings Easier

School mornings in rainy weather usually take much longer because they involve additional effort. It takes more time to do everything, as there are additional tasks that require your attention on top of what you must do during the usual school mornings.

Rainy Day School Mornings Take Longer Because:

1. Additional efforts related to raincoats, boots, and an umbrella.
2. Wet shoes, wet clothes, and wet school bag require more attention.
3. Heavy rains can make traffic slow down.
4. Puddles and slippery roads become a problem.

A Little Preparation Can Help:

1. Keep rain gear ready near the door.
2. Pack spare socks, clothes, or a small towel.
3. Protect books and school essentials from the rain.
4. Allow a few extra minutes for the morning commute.

The alarm rings at the exact time as usual, but for some reason, those monsoon mornings of young children seem to always be out of sync. From looking for a missing raincoat, getting the toddler to put on rubber boots, to dealing with a wet and slippery driveway, that extra “ten minutes” which you allotted for yourself seems to have vanished right before finishing breakfast.

If this scenario resonates with you, then you are definitely not alone.

Why Getting Ready Takes Longer During Monsoon Season for Kids

Preparing a preschooler for school in the monsoon season is not just about providing breakfast and packing a bag for school. Some tiny things tend to eat away time as follows:

1. Hunting rain clothes: Looking out for raincoats, umbrellas or those last-fitting boots.
2. Sock troubles: Looking out for two matching socks which are even dry.
3. Discussing puddle jumping: Discussing why puddle jumping should not be done before school starts.
4. Slower Commute: Delays on account of slower movement due to waterlogged roads and traffic jams.

These do not indicate a lack of foresight on your part, but simply the reality of the monsoon season for kids.

How Does the Weather Affect a Child's Morning Mood?

Parents may notice that some children seem sleepier, clingier or less enthusiastic on rainy mornings. Although some children feel relaxed due to the sound of rain, others are restless and clingy because they couldn’t go out and burn off their energy in the morning. Some children simply take a little longer to dress, more reluctant to leave home, or need a little extra reassurance.

It doesn't mean the kid is being naughty; it might just be that he is getting used to the new environment because of the rain.

Rainy weather can also limit how much children move around before school. A multi-country study published by Springer Nature found that higher precipitation was linked to lower physical activity in children.

Making Mornings Smoother During Monsoon Season for Kids

A few minor changes in the routine will make a huge difference in minimizing the hassle of getting them ready for school:

1. Get ready the night before: Have the rain clothes laid out so nothing must be searched at the last minute.
2. Keep necessary items by the door: Have raincoats, umbrellas, and boots easily accessible by the door rather than kept in a cupboard.
3. Change the morning routine: Start mornings ten to fifteen minutes earlier than usual.
4. Give the child some control: Allow him/her to choose which raincoat/umbrella to take.

These small choices can turn a rushed morning into a cooperative one.

For parents looking for simple ways to keep children engaged at home on rainy days, these rainy day activities for preschoolers can offer a few useful ideas.

Why Preschool Routine Matters Even More During the Monsoon?

Consistency in the morning routine is particularly important in such conditions. Children are very keen on predictability, and unexpected rain makes their mornings unpredictable. Consistency in breakfast, getting dressed, and leaving can be somewhat altered, but it will help children maintain a stable morning routine nevertheless.

At Kids Castle Preschool, we often notice that children who come in a bit stressed from their monsoon mornings quickly feel better in a nice, familiar preschool setting. It is much more important than most parents can imagine.

How Schools Can Support Families Manage Their Kids During Monsoon?

Schools can support families during the monsoon season by:

1. More flexible windows for drop-offs because rain may slow down people during their commute.
2. Sheltered entrances which allow parents to drop their kids from cars to classrooms without being caught in the rain.
3. Extra dry clothes in case they get drenched.
4. A welcoming attitude at the doors regardless of how wet and untimely the mornings are.

Knowing that mornings can be more challenging at this time of year eases some pressure on families.

Making Peace With Slower Mornings

It is perfectly fine if the monsoon mornings are less smooth compared to the sunny mornings. The monsoon season for kids requires a family to move at a slightly slower pace, plan just a little bit differently, and have patience, not only with their kids but also with themselves. An additional couple of minutes needed to button a rain jacket or find the missing boot is not an indicator of a failed morning. It is simply how things go during the monsoon season for kids.

A bit of planning and patience, combined with a preschool that knows about this rhythm during the monsoon season for kids, can solve any problem. By the time your child enters the class, complete with the umbrella, the hectic morning will be over.