Tips for Making Your Morning Routine Run Smoother
Most parents with little ones can relate to the struggle that occurs each morning when trying to get ready for the day. From making breakfast to making sure everyone is dressed and prepared, it’s easy to see how the day can start stressful. If you’re looking to tone down this stress so everyone can start the day on a better foot, a little preparation can go a long way. The tips below can easily be implemented into your routine so you have a smooth morning with a bright day ahead.
1. Make Breakfast the Night Before
Frozen breakfast sandwiches can be lifesavers on mornings when you just don’t have enough time to cook. However, these can be expensive and unhealthy for little ones. For a better alternative, consider making your own breakfast sandwiches and freezing them in freezer-safe plastic bags. You can also make overnight oats and egg casseroles the night before to serve in the morning.
2. Choose Outfits the Night Before
It can take a long time to get kids ready when clothes are scattered and they don’t agree with what they want to wear. To avoid this tension in the morning, help each child choose their outfit the night before. This should include shoes and socks so you know where everything is ahead of time. If you have a child that is particularly fussy about how footwear feels when wearing socks, consider finding seamless AFO socks online or in stores. This can eliminate the cause of discomfort that gets so many kids worked up in the mornings.
3. Load Backpacks at Night
Each night, check to make sure each backpack is prepared with everything each child needs. From homework to binders and supplies for a project, this can help your little ones avoid stress from forgetting something important. Make sure to check if there are any papers to sign and talk to each child to ensure they have everything they need. By working together, each backpack can be ready to go when you are.
4. Pack Lunch Boxes and Prepare Snacks
If your kids take their lunches to school, then try to pack these the night before. If you simply don’t have time for this, then consider preparing snacks for lunch boxes on Sundays. This will help make morning packing much easier so you can do it in just minutes. Even something as simple as cut veggies and pasta can make for a great lunch, so don’t stress trying to make something too complicated.
5. Set a Schedule
When kids are grumpy in the morning from inadequate sleep, it can cause stress for the parents in the house. To avoid this, try setting a schedule for each child to stick to throughout the week. This should include a set bedtime and wake up time that is ideal for your lifestyle and schedule. For kids who tend to wake up too early, a child-friendly alarm clock can be an excellent investment.
6. Set Your Coffee Maker
If you need coffee to wake up, then investing in an automatic coffee maker can help. This will ensure you don’t have to spend 10 minutes getting the coffee ready when you could be doing other things in the morning.
A Morning Without the Stress
If you can’t imagine a morning without stress, then try incorporating the tips above into your daily routine. You might be surprised that they can have a positive impact on your entire family. While a little preparation will be necessary, it’s worth it for starting the day off on the right foot.
