Mastering the Morning Madness: Strategies to Cut Chaos with Children
Having children can be such a beautiful journey but also so chaotic and hectic. So often we find ourselves pulling up to school late, running back to school because you didn’t have time to finish their lunches. Not only is this stressful but it is just a complete waste of time and has you frazzled, irritable, and missing so much calm that you need in your life. Last thing I want is to look back and remember my mornings with my kids as a horrible, crazy & rushed time that was not enjoyed by any of us. Aren’t you exhausted just thinking about it? I know I am!
Here are some ways to keep your day running smoothly and happily:
Making lunches the night before can really increase your time in the morning and keep you from spending a very unproductive half hour to an hour running back to school to drop off for the kids during the day.
Set an alarm in the evening to have your lights out by. So often I hear “but I need me time” I get it, but I also hear so often that an hour runs into 2 and before you know it its midnight and you only have a very limited number of hours left to sleep before the morning rush.
Make sure you set an alarm to give yourself and your children enough time to eat breakfast and calmly exit for school without being rushed. I know, things happen, kids forget something and have to run around to find their mitts or something else of importance, but if you get yourselves ready to leave so you have an extra few minutes to spare you greatly decrease your chances of frustration, anger and being rushed.
Set everything out the night before so when everyone gets up in the morning things aren’t missing. If you check the weather and schedules for the next day in the evening
Have easy to serve breakfasts so your children can easily help themselves. Putting out dry cereal, dividing up yogurt into single servings in the fridge and chopping fruits prior can all be easy ways for children to serve themselves their breakfasts in the morning. This gives you time to shower and dress as well as helps children become independent. Part of raising children is also teaching them independence so setting things up so they can be independent is key to this being successful.
Create a chore chart so the kids have something to follow. You can keep it on the refrigerator so the kids can check off chores as they complete every morning. Make it easy to follow with pictures and words.
Mornings don’t have to be so chaotic If you give yourself a little extra time and plan a little the night before. I promise, implementing some pre planning and some alarms you will find yourself and your children are much happier and better prepared for the day.
Melanie McConnell is a Professional Organizer and the owner of Mello Spaces. A former elementary school teacher and a mom of 2 under 3 she helps families get organized. Check out her website www.mellospaces.com and follow her on Instagram: @mellospaces
Florena Davies is a Professional Organizer and Owner of Organize by Flo. She helps individuals and families of all kinds achieve their organizational goals and create spaces that reflect their unique needs and lifestyles. Check out her website at https://www.organizebyflo.com/ and on instagram @organizebyflo.