Morning Routines make it a Little Easier
by Angela
The little one just spilled milk all over the kitchen, another one can’t find their shoes, your husband is complaining that he doesn’t have any clean socks, and the dog is whining at the door. Good morning! Welcome to the war zone. It’s that dreaded place most families encounter each and every morning. It seemed impossible to get out the door on time when it was just you. Now you’re responsible for all these people who don’t seem to realize matching clothes are prerequisite for leaving the house. It doesn’t matter if you’re a working mom or stay at home or, like me, a work at home mom. The morning routine is a misnomer. Most of the time there is no routine. Some of these tips have worked for me; maybe they can work for you.
As far as the significant other goes, leave him for the wolves. He is old enough to get his stuff together. Seriously, depending on work schedules, the two of you can come up with a system that helps you both and gets the kids out the door on time. If one of you is the early riser have that one get the first shower and be most of the way ready to go when the kids get up. That way that parent can get breakfast for the family while finishing their own preparations. You can always trade off on who gets up earlier; though consistent routine usually works better. Maybe the one who gets up during the week gets to sleep in on weekends. This will definitely have to be a give and take situation. My point is to use each other’s strengths to get the task accomplished. If you are a single parent, things are a little trickier. I know what I’m talking about. During my stint on my own my sons were two and two months old. Balancing act comes to mind. The only thing that worked for me was laying everyone’s clothes and supplies out the night before and making sure I got up early enough to handle any problems that came up. It didn’t always work, but it made most mornings easier to handle.
Laying clothes and backpacks out the night before is a good idea for all families. It cuts down on lost items in the morning and less drama in general. Who needs drama at 7:00 a.m.? Anything that becomes an issue in your house in the mornings is a good candidate for getting together the night before. If your little princess argues about your choice of outfit for her, have her help you pick it out before bed. That way she can’t tell you she doesn’t like it the next day. My seven-year-old son has an affection for wearing mismatched socks. Don’t ask me why. Having his clothes picked out help cut down on him going to school looking like Bozo. It’s a good practice; try it out and see if it helps.
I am a huge advocate for breakfast for both kids and adults. I know how hard getting a good start to the day can be when you’re in a rush. A bowl of cereal and a piece of fruit is a healthy breakfast that will stay with the little ones until lunch. Oatmeal is another option that can be made in family size amounts quickly. Offer a variety of add ins so everyone can flavor it the way they like. Leftover pancakes from the weekend can be reheated in the microwave for a speedy meal. As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t even have to be breakfast food. I have had my children request leftover pizza for breakfast. No problem, I know they’re not hungry when they’re trying to learn. Kids won’t eat what they don’t like. Even if their choice is a little unorthodox at least you didn’t have to cook and they start their day full.
Planning the night before and patience are essential for the whole family starting the day right. Despite your best-laid plans there will be mornings that don’t go as planned. Do your best, try to stay positive, and do it all over again the next day.
The little one just spilled milk all over the kitchen, another one can’t find their shoes, your husband is complaining that he doesn’t have any clean socks, and the dog is whining at the door. Good morning! Welcome to the war zone. It’s that dreaded place most families encounter each and every morning. It seemed impossible to get out the door on time when it was just you. Now you’re responsible for all these people who don’t seem to realize matching clothes are prerequisite for leaving the house. It doesn’t matter if you’re a working mom or stay at home or, like me, a work at home mom. The morning routine is a misnomer. Most of the time there is no routine. Some of these tips have worked for me; maybe they can work for you.
As far as the significant other goes, leave him for the wolves. He is old enough to get his stuff together. Seriously, depending on work schedules, the two of you can come up with a system that helps you both and gets the kids out the door on time. If one of you is the early riser have that one get the first shower and be most of the way ready to go when the kids get up. That way that parent can get breakfast for the family while finishing their own preparations. You can always trade off on who gets up earlier; though consistent routine usually works better. Maybe the one who gets up during the week gets to sleep in on weekends. This will definitely have to be a give and take situation. My point is to use each other’s strengths to get the task accomplished. If you are a single parent, things are a little trickier. I know what I’m talking about. During my stint on my own my sons were two and two months old. Balancing act comes to mind. The only thing that worked for me was laying everyone’s clothes and supplies out the night before and making sure I got up early enough to handle any problems that came up. It didn’t always work, but it made most mornings easier to handle.
Laying clothes and backpacks out the night before is a good idea for all families. It cuts down on lost items in the morning and less drama in general. Who needs drama at 7:00 a.m.? Anything that becomes an issue in your house in the mornings is a good candidate for getting together the night before. If your little princess argues about your choice of outfit for her, have her help you pick it out before bed. That way she can’t tell you she doesn’t like it the next day. My seven-year-old son has an affection for wearing mismatched socks. Don’t ask me why. Having his clothes picked out help cut down on him going to school looking like Bozo. It’s a good practice; try it out and see if it helps.
I am a huge advocate for breakfast for both kids and adults. I know how hard getting a good start to the day can be when you’re in a rush. A bowl of cereal and a piece of fruit is a healthy breakfast that will stay with the little ones until lunch. Oatmeal is another option that can be made in family size amounts quickly. Offer a variety of add ins so everyone can flavor it the way they like. Leftover pancakes from the weekend can be reheated in the microwave for a speedy meal. As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t even have to be breakfast food. I have had my children request leftover pizza for breakfast. No problem, I know they’re not hungry when they’re trying to learn. Kids won’t eat what they don’t like. Even if their choice is a little unorthodox at least you didn’t have to cook and they start their day full.
Planning the night before and patience are essential for the whole family starting the day right. Despite your best-laid plans there will be mornings that don’t go as planned. Do your best, try to stay positive, and do it all over again the next day.
posted by Lisa at 5:08 PM
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