I went back to work. Well, I guess I never really stopped “working” but I worked from home so if I drove the kids to school in my PJ’s it was OK. Now I don’t have that luxury. Now I will not even see my kids off to school. My husband is taking over that part….wish him well, he has NO IDEA what he is getting himself into. Actually our mornings aren’t “that bad” because what seems like forever we’ve had a routine that works and makes things run smoothly, for the most part because we all know there are many bumps in the road when you are trying to get kids off to school.

 

WAKE UP EARLY: I know this might be tough for some but trust me, when you wake up even an hour before the kids it makes a huge difference. You can get completely ready for the day, have a cup of coffee (or 2) and get a few things done around the house before anyone wakes. Plus, you actually get a little quite time….seriously this is why I get up between 5:30-6Am everyday just for that.

 

PREPARE LUNCH THE NIGHT BEFORE: This is a big one for me. If I can be organized enough to have lunches completely ready the night before it saves me at least 20 minutes in the morning.

 

READY FIRST – TV LATER: First, have clothes out, even make it a job for the kids the night before. Then in the morning make it a “rule” (even create a chart) that before playing, electronics or TV that they need to be fully ready. Dressed, hair and teeth brushed, breakfast ate and backpacks ready before doing anything else. Trust me, it’s a huge motivator.

 

BACKPACKS READY: Make sure backpacks are ready to role the night before and in a special spot that they kids know where to find them. This is good for when they have a special project due or library books need to be returned. If you do it the night before then they can’t come to you in the morning freaking out that they can’t find their things.

 

MAKE AHEAD BREAKFAST: I would prefer that my kids don’t have cereal everyday so on the weekends or one night during the week we will have “breakfast for Dinner” and I will make big batches of pancakes, waffles, french toast and stick the extras in the freezer. In the morning all you need to do is warm it up and serve with fresh fruit. I also love making crock pot oats which can be prepared the night before and it cooks throughout the night. In the morning, breakfast is already done.

 

Our mornings might not be perfect everyday but with a little extra planning and organization they can run smoothly most of the time. Do you have any ideas that have worked well for you and your family? I think I will need others now that I am working outside of the home this school year.