Mornings can be chaotic if you have small children in your home and you don’t have a system in place. As chaotic as the world outside your door can be, it’s important to work on removing the chaos from your home. One way I do this doing my best to be as prepared for the day as possible.
People often imagine a perfect day to help determine how much time they’ll need to get ready in the morning. This is okay if everything goes perfectly, but very risky because it leaves no room for stumbling blocks, curve balls or monkey wrenches (often my children’s favorite weapons of choice.)
Here are some things I’ve put in place to help me have more managed mornings:
1. Yup. I get up earlier than them.
If you haven’t tried it, you don’t know what you’re missing. This time is your you time. It’s quiet. It’s serine. The house is still. You can take this time to ready yourself for whatever mood the rest of your house wakes up in. If you have to go out for the day, you can take this time to get ready and do so at slow, low-stress and uninterrupted pace. You get up and set the tone for the home. This is you putting on your oxygen mask first. 
2. I start the day prepared.
When my girls get up in the morning, I only have to give them two instructions and they’ll reappear dressed with fresh breath. I say, “Go brush your teeth and get your Monday (or whatever day it is) clothes.” of course they are children so you will have to reinforce the routine but they’ll get it. Besides, your ready so you’re able to monitor them some.
As far as their fresh breath, I just make everything accessible for them. Everything is kept in reach. The toothpaste can be a situation if you don’t guide them through until they’re at least not too messy. Just remember they are kids and they are still learning. The goal here is to get them to be independent and a bit more structured in the morning. This should be done before they get dressed. I learned my lesson quick – toothpaste situation.
My girls wear uniforms to school but this will work if your child doesn’t. I actually got this tip from my niece and her children don’t wear uniform. Just pick out their outfits ahead of time. 
This doesn’t apply to everyone, but having my girls’ hair braided is a must. We’re all team natural over hear and that’s a whole time commitment itself. Their hair being braided means I only need a few minutes to moisturize their hair and tie it up at night.
3. If it is needed tomorrow, pack it tonight.
Fill out the school forms and put them in their bag(s) – at night. Make sure the homework is packed- at night. Get the money for the trip and put it in an envelop – at night. There is nothing like that morning panic of not knowing where something is or forgetting it. Just take care of it at night. You’ll sleep better knowing it’s taken care of and that helps create better mornings.
4. Meal plan.
I don’t know about you, but it drives me crazy when my DH asks me what I feel like eating. Meal plan! Not only does it help you save money, but it helps eliminate the time you spend trying to figure it out what to eat. Eating should not be complicated. You can plan it out based on your day. If your evening or morning is a little busy, you can plan quick meals. If you want to make some of the family favorites that require a bit more time, plan those meals for days you don’t have much to do. This can be done for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it all contributes to better mornings. 
5. Have a plan.
Think about going to a concert where your favorite artist is performing only to find the performer didn’t plan out the concert. They didn’t discuss what songs will play let alone in what order. The stage crew wasn’t informed as to what was needed and what goes where. It is just one big hot mess. The performer is stressed. The crew is stressed and now they must go out out there facing an inpatient world. Now imagine being that performer. Whether or not you know it, you are your crew’s favorite artist. 
You don’t have to have a very busy or public life to benefit from planning or using a calendar. When you plan the weeks, days and nights before, you make a more sound judgment on how to move on a particular day. You can better block out the time that is needed for appointments, tasks, errands, family time and even downtime. You minimize the, I forgots that will surely still come. You will just operate better and your team can be on the same page. This can help the entire team operate at their maximum potential. What would be better than that?
WashN10 Squared 
Leave a comment