Things You'll Need:
- Patience and Consistency
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Step 1
Prep the Night Before
Packing up backpacks and briefcases, laying out clothes, and setting important items (like library books and laptop computers) by the front door will help eliminate chaotic mornings. Many coffee makers can be set to automatically brew at a certain time so that roasted smell greets you as you rise. Do as much as you can the night before so your morning will seem like a cinch. -
Step 2
Get Ready (If You Can) Before Your Children
That bed is so warm and cozy early in the morning and darn hard to get out of. But even a 15-minute head start will change the entire course of your day. Some parents like to use this time to take a shower, or tidy up and start laundry. Others prefer to make their coffee and sip it quietly while they finish waking up. Whatever your style, try to give yourself a little bit of extra room for those inevitable last-minute changes and morning emergencies. -
Step 3
Breezy Breakfast
If you have young children in the house who aren't quite big enough to reach into tall cupboards and carry heavy milk containers, pour cereal into bowls the night before and provide a smaller jug of measured-out milk in the fridge. They can "make" their own breakfasts. Elementary age children can make their own toast and teenagers can certainly take a turn cooking a hot breakfast for the entire family once a week. If you can get everyone to the table at breakfast, you are a real super star! -
Step 4
Utilize Your Workforce
Train children to get themselves ready in the morning. Even stay-at-home moms shouldn't feel pressured to run around dressing, brushing, and packing everyone in the family. One of the most important roles we play as parent is that of teacher, not servant. Use a timer, such as one that clips to a belt, to keep track of the minutes and send out supervisory reminders to make sure everyone is staying on track.
Toddlers - They may still seem like babies with their dimples and rosy cheeks, but these little dynamos have a lot of energy, so why not put it to good use? Even a one-year old can begin to learn to put on shoes and put legs into pants. Some toddlers respond well when a parent mimics the task at hand. For example, both parent and toddler can put their shoes on at the same time or brush their teeth together. They will need help and there will be a learning curve as they attempt to master any part of the morning routine; however, the time you spend now helping them to learn will not only make them proud of themselves, but helpful to you in the future.
Pre-Schoolers - Many parents make the mistake of underestimating their children. Don't insult their intelligence and ability! Children ages 3-5 can be trained to dress themselves with a minimum of help from you. They can also brush their teeth and hair independently and run a wet washcloth across their faces. They can also be occupied during the morning routine with small, easy jobs like carrying breakfast foods to the table (cereal), making their beds (don't go for perfection), and clearing their breakfast dishes (plastic if it makes you feel better!).
Children Ages 6-12 -Speaking of children in elementary school, these children can pack their own lunches, make their own beds, clean their own rooms, wipe up after themselves in the bathroom, and help feed and take care of pets. Try posting a list of "Morning Jobs" on their bedroom mirror so they can stay on track independently.
Teens - By now you have your 13-year old trained, right? Ha! Sometimes these whippersnappers can be the most stubborn and difficult of all. Just as with any of the other ages, start small and work your way up. Teens are capable of making their own lunches, organizing their belongings, and assisting in the kitchen. I once knew a family whose mother NEVER cooked breakfast. Her four teen children took turns cooking for the entire family of eight. That's organized! -
Step 5
Use Your Weekends to Get Ready for the Week
Try to schedule in some time each weekend to prepare for the coming week. Are you making a batch of lasagna for the neighborhood party on Saturday night? Make two and keep one in reserve for a quick weekday meal. Make twice the amount of baked chicken and use it in a stir-fry later. Quiches and breakfast casseroles are also handy to reheat quickly during weekday breakfast time. Who hasn't spent wasted minutes trying to put together a rushed weekday ensemble? Try to figure out your clothes for the week before the week begins. Do you work full-time? Spend twenty minutes on Sunday afternoon making sure you have five clean-and-pressed outfits to wear, with shoes to match. Children can also organize a few outfits for the week - in fact, make it fun and have a fashion show!
Comments
MommyBear said
on 10/28/2008 All very good tips! I always prepare my things the night before, too. It helps to do it this way, because I know that I will forget to pack something if I try to do it as part of the busy morning. 5*****
Thims said
on 10/26/2008 Nice stress free article! I found preparing the night before works very well!
showpup said
on 10/26/2008 Wow, this is such a treasure trove of wonderful ideas. Great advice! 5 *****