Jill on the Hill

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Easy, Breezy Mornings

At one point in our parenting, we had 4 children under the age of 10.  Often, that was a recipe for chaos, and it was much of the time.  One of the hardest parts was getting the school aged kids out the door in the morning on time.  We had the normal “Mom, I can’t find my shoes!” and I always found myself scrambling to sign a permission slip or pack a lunch as they walked out the door.  It was a twisted sort of game for me called “beat the bus!”  It was exhausting!

As I talked with others and read parenting books, I’ve  found a few ways to prepare for the morning so that the process ran a little smoother.  By incorporating these hints, our mornings run on auto-pilot and we rarely have a hectic morning.  Hopefully these will be helpful to you!

Do what you can the night before…

  • pack the lunch or at least set out the lunch box
  • pack a snack- or put 5 snacks in their backpack to eat all week at school
  • set their musical instrument by their backpack
  • sign and pack permission slips
  • pack homework into backpack
  • shower
  • lay out clothes for the next day

Choose an easy breakfast…(if they’re over age 5, they can make it themselves)

  • cereal (keep plastic bowls and cups in a low cabinet so they have access to them)
  • muffins
  • cheese sticks
  • fruit
  • hard boiled eggs
  • frozen waffles

Have a routine…

  • Rise and Shine
  • Eat breakfast
  • shower/get dressed/make bed
  • comb/style hair
  • brush teeth
  • grab your backpack and go

I would also suggest not having the tv on if possible…a huge distraction!

I also make a cheat sheet to put on the mirror in their room that tells them what day they have gym, music, Spanish, etc.

 Wishing you stress-free mornings!!

 

 

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  1. Ok, I love the idea of having a “cheat sheet” on the mirror, so simple, yet brilliant. Now, our son Robbie only has four months until he graduates, but his head is spinning so much that this tip will be perfect for him. And, of course, I copped the breakfast burrito recipe. You’re the best!