Oct. 26, 2023
I wish I could share some golden nuggets of wisdom for transforming weekday mornings into a smooth operation. Truth be told, I’m the exact type of person those tips cater to. You know the one: bleary-eyed and half-awake, rummaging through a mountain of clean (yet wrinkled) laundry, desperately searching for something decent for the kids to wear. I’m the one who realizes, mere minutes before we need to leave, that I haven’t packed a single lunch and that at least two of my kids are sporting mismatched shoes. My mornings are more akin to a chaotic scramble than a well-orchestrated routine.
In an attempt to bring some order to our mornings, I’ve scoured Pinterest for strategies, pinning advice that I’m convinced will revolutionize our routine, right next to those DIY projects I’ll never actually tackle—like building furniture from reclaimed wood pallets. Occasionally, I stumble upon a tip that temporarily makes a difference, but inevitably, reality comes crashing back in.
Morning Checklists
Take morning checklists, for instance. The idea of having my kids check off tasks like “brush teeth” and “eat breakfast” sounds fantastic, and for a short time, it actually worked. I’d hand them a neatly organized list, only to find that it sparked a competition between my boys to see who could finish first, leading to squabbles over who completed their tasks better.
Let’s be real here: Checklists are not effortless. I wasted a solid 15 minutes the night before crafting four different lists tailored to my kids’ specific needs—15 golden minutes that could’ve been spent lounging with a bowl of ice cream (or, you know, catching up on the news and practicing yoga).
Make-Ahead Breakfasts
I also attempted to get a jump on the morning rush by preparing make-ahead breakfasts. I envisioned us feasting on wholesome creations like “overnight oats” and “bacon and egg frittatas.” No more sugary processed foods for us! But alas, my kids, who would happily munch on a frozen waffle straight from the box, turned their noses up at my gourmet offerings. Even with my “eat it or go hungry” rule, they opted for starvation, wasting food by the plateful. They left for school having eaten only a token bite, while I, on the other hand, consumed four breakfasts and gained 15 pounds in the process. Back to basics it was: Step one, pour cereal. Step two, add milk.
Choosing Outfits
I thought I’d try to foster a bit more independence by letting them choose their outfits. This might work if your kids are older or have a flair for fashion. But my elementary-aged boys are neither stylish nor particularly discerning. When I told them to pick their own clothes, one emerged in a mix of clashing plaids while another sported a faded Spiderman shirt with cargo pants meant for donation. I often found myself scrambling to assemble acceptable outfits at the last minute—essentially the same routine I had before.
No matter what strategies I employ or how ambitious my Pinterest boards are, I’ve come to terms with the reality that mornings in our household will always resemble a messy, frantic, and chaotic whirlwind. While it may not be a picture of tranquility, the end result is that my kids make it to school, and they don’t resemble kids who dressed in the dark. So I reassure myself that those frozen waffles boast “8 grams of whole grain” and are a “good source of fiber.” As I dash around looking for shoes and keys, I remind myself to tell them, “Just brush your teeth extra well tonight.” I know that once they’re off to school, I’ll finally have a moment to breathe… until the next chaotic morning rolls around.
If you want to learn even more about handling the ups and downs of motherhood, consider checking this article on the mental load of parenting. Also, for those exploring the world of home insemination, a shopping option like Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit could make things easier, and you might find it helpful to browse resources on pregnancy at WomensHealth.gov.
Summary
Morning routines can be chaotic and often don’t go as planned, no matter how many tips or Pinterest ideas you try. Embracing the madness and accepting that mornings will be a bit messy is key. Despite the turmoil, the ultimate goal remains: getting the kids to school somewhat presentable, shoes on their feet, and hoping they brushed their teeth!
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