Can you have pleasant mornings as a parent?
With the kids back to school is it even possible to have some family bliss before the busy-ness of the day begins?
Good Morning. Two very sweet words. The problem is good mornings can be difficult to have when there is so much to do. Is it possible? It is– with a little bit of structure.
Begin the night before– What area trips you and your family up in the morning? Is it too much discussion over what to wear to school, money for school events, or chit-chat at the breakfast table? Whatever it is, begin the night before. If it is clothes, lay them out every night after dinner. Discuss money for school events or lunches each day after school, instead of rushing right before you head out the door. For chit chat, one mom discusses the story or topic they will have over breakfast the night before.
Set a timer– With a little structure you may actually find more freedom. Discover what time you need to be dressed, fed, and collected to get out of the house and where everyone needs to be on time. Set a warning timer to let everyone know they have three minutes to wrap up final thoughts and tasks, and get to the door or car.
Don’t skip breakfast– Yes you have heard it time and time again, skipping breakfast leads to weight gain, less focused little ones, etc. But skipping the morning meal together will also make you miss out on sweet moments of connection with your little ones. Eating together in the morning reminds your children they have a safe place to land, before they head out into the world. Communication is very important, and our actions communicate to our little ones what we see as worthy of time and energy. Set aside 30 min to sit with your child, eat at the start of the day, and show them you care.
You don’t have to be too ridgid, but structure will help you both now and in the long run.
Good Morning!