Our Five Ring Circus: How I Stay Organized-Mornings

Thursday, February 4, 2010

How I Stay Organized-Mornings

I have always been an organized person. Call me OCD, if you must.

This year, I made a goal that I was going to get even more organized, so I don't end up wasting time. That was my big downfall-wasting time! My thought was, if I have an organized routine, I make the most of my time, and don't end up getting frustrated and losing my cool. So far, so good!

When Dylan started school in September, mornings started getting rough for me. I know a lot of moms complain that mornings are their worst time of the day. Let's face it-we're tired and our kids are tired!

Dylan's school is only 5 minutes away, so I've never been late getting him there, but there were many times that I was trying to wrangle the kids into their coats and car seats, and ended up getting frustrated and yelling at them to hurry. I did not like the person I turned into when I felt rushed, so I came up with a few tweaks to make mornings easier.

We are now a month into our new morning routine, and it's going great! I'm not rushing around anymore...which means, I'm a calm, cool, collected mom!

The key to my easier mornings involves preparation the night before. I set out complete outfits for the kids to wear. I check the calendar to see what's happening the following day, and put everything I need on the kitchen counter. I get Dylan's backpack ready. I even have a breakfast in mind, so we don't waste time debating what to eat the following morning.

On days that we don't have to rush out the door in the morning, I still set their clothes out. I don't follow the other steps, unless we have somewhere to be shortly after waking up, but it really helps to have their clothes ready. That way, they can get dressed when they want.

The kids need about an hour to get ready for their day. They usually play for about 15-20 minutes or watch a cartoon before they want to eat. That gives me time to get online for a few minutes! ;)

Right before I make breakfast, I put the kids clothes out for them, and put Dylan's backpack, my purse, and our coats on the counter, so we can just grab and go!

Immediately after breakfast, I brush their teeth, then send the kids off to get dressed.

I put Dylan's clothes on his bed, so he can get himself dressed.



I lay Lexie's clothes on her floor. She's not perfect at getting dressed yet, so I do need to help her, and fix her hair.


The kids end up with an additional 15-20 minutes to play before we have to leave, which they love!

Ten minutes before Dylan starts school, we get our coats on, grab our stuff, and head out. I keep our winter gear in the car, so we can put everything on, as needed, in the school parking lot. We end up arriving at his classroom door with minutes to spare!

I am so glad I kept this goal. Mornings are a breeze compared to what they once were!

What are your favorite morning timesavers? I'm always looking for ways to improve, so please leave a comment and tell me what works best for your family!

5 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great plan for you guys!

    I all of the same as you, however, there is no play time in the morning for the kiddos. It's up, dressed, teeth brushed, and out the door. I'm always rushing around, even though my routine is pretty much down to a science. One little thing can throw it all off.

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  2. what works? I don't know I am still trying to figure that out! we are always nearly late and its a mad rush to go everyday. I HATE mornings...lol.

    I think that now mary is almost a teenager THAT slows us down. she has to do her hair just "so" change jewlery at the last min include a few hormonal outburts and you get the pic...

    I guess the only other thing I say is they have to choose only cereal or toast in the morning since I have no time to cook meals.

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  3. Looks like your plan is working. I know once Alex is in school in the mornings I will for sure need a plan like that because I will feel rushed and start to yell to hurry. One thins alex learned this past week is how to buckle herself in her carseat and I LOVE IT!!!

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  4. It sounds like your doing great! I am big on organization and am always planning outfits and ironing in advance! It sure makes life more enjoyable and less stress. Have a great weekend!

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  5. I just started back to work this week and I have been running late every day. Getting 2 kids ready (one an infant who likes to poop when i feed her or put her in her carseat!) is way more hectic than when it was just 1. I need to start having everything ready the night before to save my sanity because it has been stressful this week.

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