kids get to bed early enough so that they are well rested when it's time to get up the next morning.  If you have to fight to get your kids out of bed in the morning it is going to take that much longer to get everyone ready to go. Keep backpacks on a hook. This doesn't pertain to just backpacks, though; it's much easier when everything has its own designated spot.  If his shoes are where they are supposed to be there will be no drama because he can't find them.  Make sure that he puts his homework back into his backpack once he's done so that you don't have to waste time looking for homework in the morning.  Go through the binders or folders the night before to make sure you don't need to respond to anything.  This will also allow you to make sure that all of the homework has been completed and is back in the backpack ready to go to school. You will not believe the difference in everyone's mood when you don't have to rush around in the morning.  Everyone will be much calmer, the kids won't be at each other's throats, and you won't be stuck wishing you were already at work.  Give these tips a try and see how they work for your family.