Mornings with kids can be a whirlwind. One moment, you’re drinking coffee in quiet. The next, you’re running around like a headless chicken. If your mornings can’t be described in calmer terms, take reassurance in knowing that you’re not alone. But with only a little tweaking, you can turn them around to be considerably easier. This is how to simplify your mornings to get everyone safely to school.
Prepare the Night Before
The night before is where an efficient morning comes in. Get outfits prepped to go, get lunches packed, get permission forms done, and have backpacks by the door. Small things like pre-filling water bottles or pre-loading coffee makers the night before can go an incredibly long way. The fewer things to worry about in the morning, the better.
Keep Breakfast Simple
Say goodbye to fancy breakfasts in the rush of busy mornings. Choose simple yet healthy options that don’t take much effort. Overnight oats, Greek yogurt with fruit, or smoothies can be prepped in advance. If children insist something is warm, toaster waffles or scrambled eggs only take a few minutes. Be sure to have go-to options that don’t leave you with stacks to clean.
Streamline the Bathroom Routine
A neat bathroom can be an absolute blessing during rush hour in the mornings. Give each kid his or her own spot—hairbrush, toothbrush, whatever is needed. Use separators in the drawers or baskets to keep things organized and avoid getting misplaced. If several people have to visit the bathroom at the same time, have a system in place. Making small changes like adding an additional mirror or an additional toiletries kit in an alternate location can really speed things along, or making use of plumbing installation to add multiple basins in the bathroom. This will solve so many issues.
Create an AM Routine
It can keep everyone in order without needing to remind them. Create a soundtrack with songs to accompany each job—wake-up time has one song, getting dressed has another, brushing teeth has yet another, and so on. It is fun to keep things in motion in the morning and an effective substitute for checking the clock every now and then.
Provide Children With Responsibility
If everything for everyone is being done by you, no wonder mornings have been getting to you. Young children can most definitely manage things like tying their shoes or getting their lunchboxes. Create an easy chart (use pictures to work wonders with little children) to notify them about responsibilities. Giving them control over part of the routine teaches responsibility and saves you from over-managing.
Create a No-Distraction Zone
It is tempting to scroll through your phone while enjoying coffee, but distractions take time. Get the screens off until everyone is ready. This goes for kids, too—no cartoons, no iPads, and nothing until they have completed whatever they have to get done. You’ll be surprised by just how quickly things get done.
Have an Exit ‘Go’ Point Near the Door
The most efficient manner in which to disrupt your morning is by rushing to grab coats, backpacks, and shoes at the last minute. Reserve an area just inside the door where everything is organized to leave the house. Hooks to put bags, a shoe basket, and a key spot keep things in order to grab and go quickly.
Conclusion
Some mornings just can’t be tamed, no matter how hard you prepare. And that is just fine. It is not about an Instagram-perfect routine—it is about making things slightly easier. If getting everyone out the door mostly dressed, mostly on time, and mostly sane is victory, then victory is achieved.