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The kids are back in school and hectic schedules are the norm again. Starting your family’s day on the right foot is a great way to set the tone for a productive & less stressful day. We have some tips that can set the whole family up for success.
Get a good night’s sleep
Start your morning well rested. Have a set bedtime and wakeup time to avoid confusing your body. Toddlers typically need at least 12 hours sleep, elementary kids 10 hours and teens & adults should shoot for 8 hours whenever possible.
Lay out school and work clothes in advance
If possible, get all 5 days of school clothes ready for your kids on the weekend. By doing this you will save time and stress during the week. Having your own clothes ready to go the night before will also help avoid uncertainty and wasted time in the morning.
Start your day early
As much as we want to hit the snooze button one more time, moms who get up earlier tend to be more productive. Get a workout in before the craziness of the day begins and you’ll start your day feeling great.
Establish a morning routine with your kids
Kids like having a routine so they know what to expect. For younger kids you can create a responsibility chart to help them remember what to do – brush their teeth and hair, get dressed & eat breakfast. Older kids can develop their own strategy for getting everything done before heading out the door.
Have healthy, self-serve breakfast items available
Once kids are old enough, allow them to make their own breakfast. Items can be simple such as yogurt, pre-cut bagels and cream cheese, fruit, oatmeal and cereal. They will feel accomplished when they prepare everything themselves and it will give you a few extra minutes.
Set aside a few minutes for yourself
As moms, we often put ourselves last in the morning. Set aside a little extra time to wash (or at least brush) your hair, add a little make up if you like and put on “real” clothes. It’s amazing how much more you can accomplish when you are feeling good about yourself.
Looking for quick weeknight meals? Check out our Easy Recipes section for ideas. |
