Morning routines are often hectic and challenging. Here's some tips from Mandy of The Hankful House that will help lessen the stress, and get your day off on the right foot.
1. Pack lunches and backpacks the night before.
Make sure you have 1 spot designed for backpacks. Whether it's in their rooms, by the front door, in the laundry room. Just pick a spot and stick with it. That way in the morning it's all there waiting for you and you aren't looking for it. Also make sure the lunches are done and in the fridge ready to go the night before. It's no fun to hurry and pack a lunch and realize you have nothing but a slice of cheese and a ketchup packet because you forgot to go to the store. When I make my weekly trip to the grocery store, I plan what I am going to make them for lunch that week just to make sure I have all items needed.
2. Set clothes out the night before.
If you are brave try to set all their outfits out on Sunday night. I really try hard to do that. Our weekly nights are so busy with one or both of their practices so to me doing it once on Sunday evening is better than trying to squeeze one more thing in at the end of the night every night. But it might work for you. Either way, you don't have to worry about the fight with your daughter every morning about what she is going to wear. I have had that all too often :(
3. Pre-make breakfast.
If you have some extra time over the weekend, make some muffins or coffee cake or even breakfast burritos and freeze them for later that week. This way you are giving your kids more than cereal every morning and you don't waste time cooking in the mornings. Just heat it and go!
4. No electronics!
This is a big rule in my house for the mornings. My kids have been known to hop on the ipad or Wii and not get dressed or not make their bed and then we are rushing around to get it done before we leave for school. They get to unfocused with electronics. It's a big N-O!
5. Designate morning chores.
Each morning on top of making their beds and getting ready for school, the kids have specific chores they need to do. I have it listed on our fridge so there is no mistake or someone doesn't forget what day it is, etc. It's little things like making sure the dogs have water, making sure the back door is locked. Simple but it is on the road to responsibility.
6. Practice the schedule.
Practice a schedule until you find the right one for you. My kids won't do anything until they eat breakfast so I have to make sure they eat first when they wake up. I would never have known that until we tried it out. Too many days of me pushing a schedule that they didn't like. Now they eat first and are happy. Personally I eat breakfast at the end of my morning before I leave so find what works for your family and adjust, it's ok to make changes. Also start the schedule before the first day of school. It's hard to get back on a routine so the kids, and you, need some time adjusting back to getting up early.
7. Get the kids to bed early,
And you as well moms! It doesn't help when you all wake up tired and cranky. You all need a good amount of sleep.
8. Stick with it!
Whatever schedule you all decide works for your family, keep it. Don't change things just because, change if it's to be better, other than that, keep them on the same schedule. It cuts down on the amount of direction you need to give them. Pretty soon they will know right after they get dressed they need to make their bed and then brush their teeth or whatever it may be for you.
9. Get yourself ready first.
For the first few weeks it might be best to get yourself ready before the kids are up. That way you aren't trying to coach them while putting on mascara. It just might help while you all are adjusting.
10. Praise!
Kids love to know when they are doing a good job, if they make their bed, praise them. If they get dressed and all is right side out, praise them! It's a work in progress so praise the work along the way. And hey moms, don't forget to give yourselves a little pat on the back sometimes too! It takes a lot to get the kids out of house, all dressed, all fed and ready for school.
