The first thing you need to do is eliminate the mad scramble of the morning rush. You need to be organized and be prepared ahead of time. I will give you some great tips to avoid the morning chaos, where tempers flare and tears flow. I have been there over and over again! I know what the mad dash is like. I also know how to make it run smoothly.
Once you implement these great tips, your mornings will run as smooth as a new BMW. Okay most mornings will, not all. Being prepared will help when you are running late. Sometimes we just can't avoid it. We're all human and it happens, just deal with it. Don't beat yourself up over it. This is where being prepared will come in handy.
Make snack bags that are easily accessible for the mornings. Put cut up fruit in them, dry cereal, cheese, crackers, etc. Fill sippy cups or containers with juice or milk to keep in the fridge for on the go. That way everyone can grab breakfast when running late.
Keep a cubby at the door or a designated spot where each child can keep shoes, coats, mitts, hats, etc., so you can find them easy. There's nothing like searching for a lost shoe when you're late.
Keep backpacks by the door. Be sure homework is done and in the pack the night before. Keep a schedule for each child for gym days, trips, pizza days whatever it may be. Look at the schedules the night before and put the appropriate stuff in their packs.
Pack lunches after dinner so they're ready in the morning. Make breakfast the night before. Set the table, pour cereal in the bowls or cook bacon, pancakes or muffins the night before and just reheat. This stuff could be done on weekends and put in the freezer for weekdays. Always have yogurt and fruit in the fridge as well.
Lay out clothes the night before. If possible, take baths and showers at night. Keep girls hair accessories, along with a brush, in a handy location so everyone gets their hair done before going out the door. Girls with long hair could sleep with braids. It makes it easier to brush out in the morning.
For moms who work, all these tips work for yourself as well, like making your lunch, laying out your clothes, etc. Another thing is to only have out the make-up, jewelry and hair accessories you plan to use. That way, you're not looking through a bunch of other stuff you aren't even going to use. Just lay out the basics. Don't forget to set your coffee maker the night before.
Turn on some music to inspire everyone to get moving. Have fun and enjoy your time together, it won't last forever!
By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario
This page contains the following solutions.
As an educator, I have seen every type of clothing emergency, from smelly spilled milk to rips, and everything in between - all resulting in a parent having to make an unexpected trip to bring a new set of clothes!
In the mornings, when getting your kids off to school, it can be hectic! I do some simple things to make it easier and more efficient, and I thought maybe the tips I use would help others.
The best back to school tips are to have your child pick out his or her clothes the night before and either lay them out on a desk or hang them on the front of the closet doors so that they are ready first thing in the morning.
My grandchildren live with me, and mornings were chaotic getting them ready for school. Now at night each child has to get their clothes ready for the next day, put their shoes by the door, and have their backpacks next to them.
I have my children make their own lunches every evening, before supper. The lunch boxes then go in the fridge, and it's a breeze getting them out the door the next morning.
Pick clothes out the night before. This helps save time in the mornings when you are rushing to get ready. Try to prepare anything that you can for the next day.
My son just started kindergarten, I work part-time and my husband works second shift. So at night, preparing for school the next day is all up to me!
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Have your kids take a shower or a bath at night and have them pick their clothes out at night, this will make a smoother morning.
