One of the most hectic times for families is the morning. Trying to get everyone ready and out the door with all of their belongings can be a daunting task. Someone can’t find their shoes and someone else forgets their lunch. The chaos can be a rough way to start the day.
Peaceful mornings are possible. Being intentional and taking some extra steps ahead of time can make all the difference. Here are some time-saving tips to help you have a peaceful morning.
- Tip- Stage belongings at the front door
- Tip- Weekly meal prep
- Tip- Use the checklist method
These simple tips will help you keep your family organized and ready to head out the door with minimal effort, saving time and hassle which leads to a much more peaceful morning.
Tip #1. Stage belongings at the door- No matter what age the household is, staging belongings at the door can help make the transition smooth in the morning. Typical things to stage at the door should include:
- Sports equipment
- Backpacks
- Work-related items
- Keys and handbags
- Dry cleaning
- Items for errands
The key to prepping for the morning is to take time the day before to place items you will need by the door. Doing this when it’s on your mind beforehand makes it less likely you’ll have to scramble to remember everything you need in the morning. Putting items by the door ahead of time frees up your mind to focus on other things knowing what you need is where it needs to be for everyone to get out the door on time. This is a positive tip that works for all members of the family including teens who drive themselves as well as young children and parents.
Tip #2. Weekly meal prep– Peaceful mornings are possible when there is less stress. One of the key ways to reduce stress is to make breakfast and lunch prep easier. Meal prepping helps. Planning out your breakfast needs and having nutritious lunch options easily accessible can make the mornings run smooth. Here are some easy ways to meal prep and make breakfast and lunch grab-n-go each day:
Breakfast
- Prep overnight oats and have individual servings available in the fridge.
- Make a stack of pancakes or waffles and freeze for an easy heat-n-eat hot breakfast
- Have a variety of cold cereal and milk on hand for a go-to favorite
- Keep granola bars or breakfast bars in the pantry for lighter appetites
Lunch
- Prepare fruits and veggies and keep in containers in the fridge for easy packing
- Organize a section of the pantry with “lunch only” items like applesauce, fruit snacks, etc…
- Pre-assemble the non-perishable lunch items in a bag or lunch pail the night before
- Create a sandwich making station in your fridge with meats, cheese, and condiments in a container that is easy to access
Tip #3. Use the checklist method- People thrive in routines. The more routines you can create around getting out the door in peace each morning, the easier it will be. Some routines can be ahead of time in preparation for the next day. Routines that help your family get ready for a peaceful morning could include:
- Choosing their clothes and laying them out for the next day- this reduces the likelihood of franticly looking for a missing item in the morning
- Signing permission slips or homework the night before to avoid missing paperwork
- Reviewing homework expectations with an adult to avoid late or missing homework
- Having a bedtime routine that ensures kids get ample sleep plus a standard wake up time
These types of routines can help families prevent headaches in the morning and ensure things run smoothly.
Peaceful mornings lead to peaceful days. Having a routine that works for your family can help you get ready for the day and get out of the house without any hassles.
