7 Tips to Make Mornings Less Chaotic

I think Janine jinxed me with her post last week. I probably should have known it was coming, anyway. My entire family has been healthy all winter other than a few sniffles. (knock on wood, cross my fingers, throw salt over my shoulder) We were due and when I woke up around 3:00am Monday morning with a rumbly tummy, I knew our healthy streak was broken. Sure enough, around 5:00am the stomach bug hit me like a freight train. 

Fortunately, my husband, who typically travels a lot for work, was actually home, so he jumped in and took over all the morning duties (and afternoon duties and evening duties). He got the girls out of bed, packed their lunches, and got them all off to school. Even in my absence, they made it through the morning routine without a hitch.

The truth is that, stomach bug aside, I am not a morning person and neither are my kids. This means that, even on the best days, mornings can be tough. Over the years, I have learned a few tricks to make the mornings a little more bearable.

Tips to Make Mornings Less Chaotic

1. Plan ahead - I know, I know. Believe me, at 9:00pm once all the kids are in bed, the last thing I want to think about is packing the lunches for TOMORROW! But, in the mornings, I find myself thinking, "Why didn't I do this last night?!?" As much as it stinks, I have found the more you can do ahead, the better off you will be. Make sure homework is complete and book bags are packed. Check the weather and pick out clothes the night before. And, yes, pack the lunches, too - at least partially.

2. Stick to a routine - It doesn't matter if the kids get dressed before they eat breakfast or afterwards, just figure out what works best and stick to the same routine everyday. This way, kids know what is expected and it becomes a habit. If they are old enough to tell time, you can give them those parameters as well (i.e. You need to be finished eating my 7:00am.) 

3. Involve the kids - Once kids are in elementary school, I think they are old enough to start helping out and, the older they get, the more they should help. Make choosing their clothes part of their nighttime routine. Let them help pack the lunches. Isn't a 10 year old capable of fixing herself a bowl of cereal? The more they can do, the less you have to do. (And the more prepared they will be on the occasion that the stomach bug renders you useless!)

4. Make lists - I am a list maker by nature, but it is truly helpful in the mornings. I make a weekly plan for what to pack in lunches. We also have a family calendar on the refrigerator so everyone knows what's in store for the day.  I frequently put post-it note reminders on the counter so I don't forget things that can't be done the night before. You can also make lists for your kids to check off (i.e. get dressed, brush your teeth, comb your hair, etc.).  In the sleepy fog of the morning rush, having the lists is a lifesaver.

5. Don't hit snooze - This one is really hard for me. As I said, I'm not a morning person and I hate rolling out of bed when the alarm goes off. However, if I get a late start, then everyone gets a late start and the morning is off on the wrong foot even before we've begun. If you absolutely must hit snooze, then set your alarm to go off a few minutes earlier. 

6. Insert some fun - Play some music. Put a joke book on the breakfast table. When everyone is grumpy because they would rather still be in bed, insert a little fun to lighten the mood.

7. Say "Thank you!" - When mornings do go well; when the kids cooperate and get everything done in a timely manner; when they pitch in to help, say "Thank you!" and let them know that you appreciate their help. Point out how smoothly things went on the good days and acknowledge their part in the success. You could even implement a reward system if you think it will help (i.e. After 10 days out the door on time, we get to go out for ice cream!) 

 No matter how many of these tips you implement, some mornings are just going to go more smoothly than others. Sometimes you will oversleep or someone will get the stomach bug. Nothing is foolproof. However, in my years as a mom, I have found that these are some things that really help!

What has worked for you to make the mornings in your home go smoothly?

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This post was part of the One Word Blog Linkup hosted by, Janine of Confessions of a Mommyholic, Marica of Blogitudes, and me! This week, the word prompt choices were Secret and Morning. If you would like to join the linkup you can find more information HERE, sign up for weekly emails HERE, and/or join our Facebook group HERE. Every Friday, two prompts are emailed. Choose one and write a post using that word as inspiration. Linkup up any time between 6:00am EST on Wednesday-9:00pm EST on Thursdays on any of the host sites

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