“Brush your teeth and find your backpack!” “Hurry up… we’re going to be late!” We’ve all uttered some variation of those phrases at least once during a chaotic morning trying to get the family ready for school and work. Mornings can be stressful. Getting the whole family fed, dressed, and out the door on time can feel like a monumental task. Really, this process can be draining when it happens day after day. It is possible to have a calm morning routine! With a bit of planning, organization, and consistency, you’ll soon enjoy a morning rhythm that brings joy, life, and freedom for everyone.
Create A Morning “To-Do” Chart
Start by creating a morning “to-do” list for each family member. Work together to list everything from brushing teeth and making beds to eating breakfast and feeding the family pet. If you have younger children, draw pictures or find images representing each item on the “to-do” chart. There’s no pressure to create anything fancy–it just needs to be functional and meet your family’s needs.
Consider everyone’s needs: Some people take longer to eat breakfast or get dressed than others. Factor this into your morning routine by getting some family members up earlier than others. Staggering wake-up times can help avoid a feeling of chaos and help avoid a “traffic jam” in the bathroom.
Build a buffer into your schedule: Life happens. Build at least 10 minutes of “buffer time” into your morning routine to give yourself breathing room. That way, you’ll have time for that outfit swap when breakfast spills or the baby needs a third diaper change.
On the mornings when there aren’t any “surprises,” that buffer time offers a few minutes to take a quick breath, read a short story, or run through the fall leaves before jumping in the car. You get the idea! What a relief that you’re not racing against the clock from the moment you open your eyes!
Stick to the Same Routine Every Day
Humans naturally thrive when we have a predictable routine. Routine helps everyone remember what they should be doing and helps everyone feel calmer and more organized. Once you find the evening and morning routines that work best for your family, stick to them daily.
Avoid Electronics in the Morning
As controversial as this might sound, avoiding tablets, televisions, and other electronic devices in the morning can be a game-changer. It’s easy to get distracted by a screen and lose track of time or what needs to happen next. An alternative approach could be to allow devices only after clothes are on, breakfast is finished, and teeth and hair are brushed.
Consider “parking” all tablets, phones, and other devices in a designated spot the night before, so they’re not immediately tempted in the morning. This can also be helpful if kids need to take tablets or laptops to school since everything will be charged and ready to go.
Give Yourself Time
Don’t be afraid to give yourself some time in the mornings. If the little ones need to be up at 7:30, set your alarm for 7 am (or earlier), so you can have a moment to sip your coffee and gather yourself first. The less stressed you are, the calmer everything will be.
Only Focus On the Essentials
The morning is not the right time to start unnecessary chores or tasks. Only focus on what’s essential to help the family have a calm, successful start to the day.
Routines Take Time – Be Patient and Consistent
The right morning and evening routine can make all the difference for your family. But routines and habits take time to cultivate. Be patient and consistent, and it surely will get easier. Before you know it, you and your family will be calmer and more refreshed as you start and end each day.
If all of this sounds like a great idea, but you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of implementing it yourself, consider hiring a professional organizer. Professional organizers are experts at organizing almost everything in life–from wardrobes to routines. Having an expert guide you as you create the ideal routine for your family can alleviate stress and increase your chances of success. Call or text us at (540) 420-8225 and let’s talk about your morning and evening routines!
