5 Tips for a Successful Morning with Kids

Mornings can be absolute chaos. Especially school mornings where I have to get both kids up and ready along with myself. If I didn’t have a set plan in place of what is done before the week starts and each morning, I wouldn’t be able to do it. This plan I’m talking about has taken about two months to figure out. It’s been a process of trial and error, learning what the kids need on a day to day basis. It’s learning about how much time I need to get dressed, ready and out the door.

The reason I had to come up with a plan for the mornings is because of my little man. He wasn’t a great sleeper when he was a baby and over the past few months he’s regressed big time. I’m talking up at least 2-3 times per night. And the kicker is with being up a few times at night, he’s up for the day between 5-5:30 am!  So, I don’t have time in the morning to get ready without him by my side. Have I mentioned he’s two and into everything…..

Here are some things I do each morning to help things run smooth and to keep my sanity!

Tip #1

Get up before the kids. Now, this is something I TRY to do everyday. But with LM waking up so early, it’s been hard. My goal each day is to be showered by the time he gets up. Most days, I will jump in the shower as soon as I hear him stirring. I pray that I’m able to get out by the time the stirring turns into screaming and crying to get out of the bed. I’m doomed when he transitions into a big boy bed! Another thing I’ve been doing is showering at night. If I know I have to get out the door at a certain time or have something to do in the morning that may take longer, I try to shower at night to save time in the morning.

Tip #2

Have all clothes ready for the week on Sunday. I make sure all laundry is done (and folded) on Sunday. From there, I lay out the kids clothes for the entire week, including pajamas. Right now, I do it’ on the top of my dresser. Within the next few months, I’m going to get one of those 5 drawer bins for each little. This saves so much time and eliminates the morning I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR drama. This is also just as important for me. I have all 5 outfits picked out with the jewelry and shoes to match on Sunday. No trying on a million outfits in the morning for this mama.

Tip #3

Make lunches the night before. On Sunday, I actually pre-bag all food for lunches throughout the week. This is not only for AG but I try to do mine as well. While I make dinner at night, I make the lunches for the next day. I put the lunch box and water in the fridge and it’s ready to go in the morning. If we’re running late this is one less thing I have to worry about.

Tip #4

After lunch is packed for the next day, I think of breakfast. LM takes a snack to daycare when he goes and AG usually takes breakfast on the go as well. So, I make sure these two things are also out and ready to go. This way either myself or the littles can grab them on the way out the door.

Tip #5

Before bed, I get my coffee ready for the next day.  I put the water in and get my Dixie® To Go cup ready so that in the morning, I can wake up to a freshly brewed coffee at the exact time I want it, thanks to programming on the machine. I’ve learned to have it brewing about 5 minutes before we have to head out the door is key.

I don’t have time to sit and enjoy a hot cup of coffee. That enjoyment comes once everyone is loaded in the car and the music comes on. It the first deep breath I’ve been able to take in the last hour most likely and I follow that with a sip of hot coffee. It’s glorious and much needed to start my day on the right foot.

 I wouldn’t be able to do this without Dixie® To Go. With no washing or clean up involved, they’re exactly what I need to crush my mornings. Before, when I used my to go mugs, I’d leave them at work or in the car and then I would be scrambling for one each morning. These make my life just THAT much easier! 

This mama runs on coffee!

I was selected for this paid opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.