What do you do to make mornings go well?
Just read a great (naive?) blogpost on Logistically Leah with suggestions on how to smooth out the hectic weekday morning rush. Suggestions include carving out a moment of peace and reflection in the morning, and packing up all the to-go items the night before.
It's such a far cry from my mornings though that I wonder if such a thing is possible with kids. Do you have any tips or tricks that make mornings easier, simpler, smoother or more enjoyable?
4 Answers
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It's been interesting as Luna has gone from really a little kid to kind of a pre-teenager. She's old enough to do a lot of stuff, but somehow in the morning she needs as much coaxing and cajoling as an old British car on a rainy day. I can go from bed to car in about an hour, but only because I only need about 20 minutes to get myself ready. We've got outfits pre-loaded in a drawer, and we've negotiated breakfasts that are relatively speedy to make (and relatively not nutritional nightmares). But it's definitely about cutting corners, hard choices, and saying things like "How long does it take to put your socks on? We really have to go!"
I wonder what this is all about. I think it's a hard transition between being little and taking more responsibility.
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For us it seems that routine is the key. Mornings go smoother if we do the usual set of tasks and don't have to think about it.
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Saw a good set of points here by Love & Logic:
- Have “practice mornings” when you’re not in a hurry. Try it on the weekend.
- Make a guide for them by taking pictures of them doing all the things they need to do in the morning the posting them in a common area (IE on the refrigerator).
- Set limits with enforceable statements. Here are some examples: “Breakfast will be on the table until the timer goes ding.” “I give treats to kids who brush their teeth.” “My car is leaving in just a little while. Will you be going with your clothes on your body or your clothes in a bag?”
- Enforce these limits with plenty of loving empathy. This may mean taking your child to preschool in their pajamas or by expecting them to pay you for taking them to school when they are late. Hint: If you think you may need to take your child to school with their clothes in a bag, call the school and let them know ahead of time.
Uh.... this time of day is always a struggle-- no matter what age kids are involved. Each age group of children has its special challenges -- ( including teenagers who don't want to get up ! ) Though I'm a grandmother now, my habit of getting up early --- before anyone else in the family--- began when my kids were small. I still do it. A few extra minutes of peace and quiet to prepare for a busy morning is invaluable. Sounds like the blogpost you read gave you some good ideas. Do anything you can the night before. Decide on what clothes and shoes the kids will wear and get them ready. Pack bags with snacks etc and put the bags by the door you use; set out plates, bowls, cups etc. for your morning meal. If you are really in a pinch you can even put dry cereal in bowls on the table the night before. If you drink coffee or tea in the morning --- do as much as you can to prepare for that the night before. Then, when you are tiptoe-ing around the house in the morning darkness, you will be able to think more clearly and be more cheerful when its time to awaken the kiddlies ! The biggest challenge will be to awaken yourself earlier than anyone else !
- Suzanne, Mar 3, 2010