Weekday Mornings With Children.....

I finally feel like I am getting this school thing down pat. It only took about two weeks but I think I am finally there (wink). Don't get me wrong, it's still extremely busy trying to get everyone out the door on time, but a bit of pre-planning has helped immensely.

Here a few things that have help my family get out the door for school/work on time in the mornings:

1.Pick out the clothes or have your kids pick out their clothes the night before. That way you can see and decide if it is weather appropriate etc. This could save you an argument and some time in the mornings.

2. Make lunches the night before. (I can't even imagine trying to do this and make breakfast and get myself ready in the morning)

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3. Have bag all packed with homework, library books, lunch money etc. all ready to go. In the morning all you need to do it pop the lunch in the backpack and your good to go.

4. Lay jacket, mitts and hat out the night before. This way you are not hunting for a lost mitten when you should be heading off to work.

5. Have a chore list/chart for your kids to do in the mornings. At the end of the day reward with stickers if everything is checked off. If they know to brush their hair and teeth it saves you from having to ask them over and over.

6. If anything is going to be different in the morning it is good to tell the child the night before to alleviate any extra stress on kids and parents in the morning. Example... a parent has to leave for work much earlier and will not be there to assist with the morning. This could save you a ,"I want Mommy to do this" episode in the morning. Telling them the night before gives them time to prepare for the change in routine.

7. Get the kiddos to bed early. My kids typically are in bed before 8:00. This allows them to get a full nights rest before the 6:45 wake up call. It is also very helpful for parents to get to bed early too (not 8:00, but you know what I mean). I get up before the kids to do a few things and have a wee bit of quiet time for me.

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8. Plan out the mornings. In our house my husband typically gets the kids up, dressed and starts breakfast while I am finishing getting ready. Then when I am done my husband does what he needs to do to get ready and I finish breakfast, getting bags packed, and making sure teeth/hair are brushed etc. It seems to work well for us.

All these steps do seem to keep the flow of things relatively stress free for the most part.  Although on occasion a morning can completely flop and end in tears no matter how much you plan it out. We all have our off days on occasion.

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Wishing you all many happy mornings.

xoAngela
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