5 Tips To Simplify The Morning Rush

You wouldn't be the only parent who would agree when we say we feel like we have run a marathon by the time we have dropped the kids off at school or kindy! Mornings, and especially mornings with kids are a special kind of crazy, and some days are just that bit more hectic than usual. We've put together a quick list to hopefully help navigate that chaotic morning rush.

The Night Before

When I was a kid, my mum got me to get into the routine of packing my school bag the night before.  Things like homework and my sports uniform were always packed before bed.  This is something I have carried on with me into my adult life, and to my mums credit, I always feel like if I'm not at least one step ahead, I'm just that bit more prepared for the start-line that awaits me tomorrow morning.  By getting into this habit, I've already ticked off a pretty big job for the next day and I'm ready to hit the ground running.  I'm 100% not a morning person, so even preparing and packing the bags for the next day after the kids have gone to bed is a whole lot faster and simpler than doing it in the morning with the cyclone of kids to get ready at the same time.

The Launch Pad

Your launch pad can be anything big enough to fit your kids items they need for school or kindy.  I personally use decorated baskets, one for each of the kids. When I'm packing the night before, I make sure I fill up the launch pads with everything they need for tomorrow, that way I'm not running around like a headless chicken in the morning trying to find their homework or bags.  Then, when it's time to go, everything is where it's supposed to be, and we're out the door!

Get the Kids to Pick Their Outfits

I hear gasps and horror come over a few of you as you read this heading!  Now, this one won't work every time, but when it does, my goodness you'll barely know yourself! Get the kids to pick their outfits, but do it the night before! Just like my mum did, get your kids into the routine of getting what they can ready the night before and have them lay it out so it's basically ready to jump into when the sun comes up.  We know that getting dressed is often the hardest task to tick off the list, especially with a stubborn threenager, so if you work with them before bed the night before to choose an outfit for the next day, and make it an activity you can both get excited about, some mornings, (if they haven't changed their mind about what they want to wear) you'll be able to relax a that little bit more.

Pick Your Battles

Before World War 3 erupts, ask yourself "Does this matter?" If the worst case scenario is that you'll be five minutes late, or something will have to be finished later - just remember it's probably not worth the pursuing battle with the kids.

Breathe

Have you noticed that as your anxiety goes up, it feels like the kids listen to you less and less?  Give yourself a minute to take a few deep breaths to calm yourself and be present.  Remember that you are in control.  Kids are intuitive, and will feed off your energy, so give yourself some time, and be forgiving.  We all have days where it feels like we're putting a square block into a round hole.