Well, here we are. August 25th. Remember back around Memorial Day when this day was so far off? Now it's end of summer, back to school, back to reality!
I can't really say summer was super relaxing and a break from routine. Sure, there was no official homework, the kids went to bed later than usual, and we didn't race around in the morning trying to make it to the school bus on time, but we still had schedules and routines. Nick had to make it camp, I had to make it to work. I still had to pack a lunch for Nick, and make sure his backpack had sunscreen, a water bottle, his swim suit and a towel in it every day. I had to get everyone in the car and dropped off at their designated location. But still, it was summer and there wasn't that urgency of YOU'RE GOING TO MISS THE BUS!!!!!
Once school starts (2 more weeks), our mornings will be busier and more hectic. The school day is starting earlier this year, which means our mornings will be starting earlier too (Ugh). I'll be straight with you... some mornings I am literally at my wits end. After asking the boys nicely to get dressed at least 4 times, and each time they continue to play legos/watch TV/play on the ipad, and it's now 5 minutes before the bus is about to come and I see Nick hasn't even eaten his breakfast yet, and I'm having a bad hair day and my clothes aren't fitting right, I start to lose my shiz!! I turn into Monster Mom, and it is not a pretty sight.
This year, I am making a pledge to keep Monster Mom under wraps! And this is my plan on how to do it.
1. Menu plan lunches for the week. Did you ever stand there staring in your fridge wondering what the heck to pack your kid for lunch? It's not fun. Especially when your kid is a picky eater. And refuses to buy the school lunch because, "I might not like their tacos."
2. Make lunches the night before. This includes mine. I'm hoping this will be a big time saver.
3. Ensure homework and all other necessary items are safely zipped in backpacks, ready to go.
4. Pick out everyone's clothes the night before. Better yet, plan out the entire week's outfits on Sunday. Make sure Nick is on board with the chosen outfits so there are no "I hate that shirt. These pants are too tight!" type meltdowns in the morning.
5. No TV/electronics until breakfast is eaten and clothes are on.
Seems pretty easy, right? I'll keep you posted!
How do you keep it together on busy mornings??
Leaving the TV off in the morning and getting myself totally ready for work BEFORE the kids even get up make things way easier for me.
ReplyDeleteTV is a huge distraction in the morning. When I keep it off, everything goes more smoothly!
ReplyDeleteI know that if I end the day on a high note -- the house is in order, the clothes are laid out, plans are in place if need be - then we will start our mornings off on the right foot!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new year.
Good plans, stick with them! So many times I have stuck with my plans for a couple weeks and then they get shot to hell LOL! I also get up an hour or two before my kids to square away and have some mental focus time! xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteThe more I do the night before the better for me! That way my mornings can go smoothly
ReplyDeleteGreat idea making lunches the night before! I learned this when we first sent my little guy to kindergarten after a failed homeschool attempt, lol. Then I wasn't rushing around like a madwoman all morning!
ReplyDelete