This morning, I witnessed a first grader stumble as she accidentally knocked over a line of bicycles. She was late for school, maneuvering her bike in the final stretch before it was parked in front of the principal’s office. “Hurry up!” her mother urged. “The bell just rang!” Their hurried footsteps echoed along the pavement, reminiscent of a well-rehearsed dance. Meanwhile, I was navigating my own chaotic morning, having just ushered my five-year-old son, Jake, into his kindergarten class right on the bell.
I had already passed the little girl when I heard the commotion. In her rush, she carelessly tossed her bike into a neatly arranged row of colorful handlebars and Elsa helmets, causing them to topple like a row of dominos. When the last bike came to rest at the feet of another startled parent, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
My laughter wasn’t meant to embarrass her, though it likely frustrated her mother. It was a shared understanding: mornings are tough. I empathized with that ponytailed girl; if I had a bike and an Elsa helmet, I might have done the same as an expression of my own morning frustrations. The world moves too quickly, demanding far too much, and it often overlooks the needs of five-year-old children who insist, “I just need to stretch a little longer… oh look, a Lego ship!” every single morning. Oh wait, that’s my household.
Every day, my partner and I grapple with our ineffective morning routine. “We need to come up with a better strategy,” I say, tugging Jake’s shirt over his head while steering him toward the bathroom. We’ve even consulted a parenting expert who advised us, “Identify what motivates him.” So, we’ve attempted to implement various strategies. However, there should be a law against sticker charts during the morning rush. Five-year-olds couldn’t care less about stickers when they’re busy squeezing every last drop of toothpaste onto their brushes.
And let’s talk about clocks. The pressure to be somewhere on time while managing small children is overwhelming. The sequence of potty breaks, clothing battles, and breakfast negotiations often leads to chaos. Each morning, we find ourselves out of time, patience, and any motivational strategies that might grace the pages of parenting magazines. I don’t have a bike to toss, but I’d consider throwing my coffee cup if I didn’t need it so desperately.
We’re all striving to raise our children to be responsible and accountable individuals. We understand the importance of helping them learn time management and the impact their actions have on the world. Countless articles provide guidance on achieving this, but this piece is not one of them. Instead, it’s an invitation to join the “Glad You’re Here” community.
Mornings are universally challenging. So, to the well-meaning parking lot attendant, instead of rushing us with, “The bell just rang! Hurry!” I propose a kinder approach.
On behalf of weary parents everywhere, a simple, “Good morning! I’m glad you made it!” would mean the world. “I’m glad you made it,” when you see the mother with a damp ponytail, juggling her infant while holding her kindergartner’s hand in the parking lot. “I’m glad you made it,” when a first grader carelessly tosses her bike into the rack. “I’m glad you made it,” when a sleepy five-year-old wanders into the classroom, bedhead and all. We see the effort you’re putting in; we are all in this together.
We have plenty of time to reflect on how fleeting these moments are when we tuck our children into bed at night, counting their breaths and reading books until they drift off. Mornings are not the time for rushing. Our children will have plenty of opportunities in life to feel pressured and inadequate; let’s not add to that burden.
If I could play with Legos on my way to the bathroom or toss a bike in frustration, I would. But for now, let’s share a moment of understanding. Tomorrow, when your child drops their backpack in a puddle and my son stops to collect every stick at the playground, I’ll catch your eye and share a laugh. We can hurry later. This morning, I’m just glad you’re here.
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Summary
This article shares the relatable struggles of morning routines faced by parents and offers a light-hearted perspective on the chaos of getting children ready for school. It emphasizes the importance of kindness and understanding in our rushed mornings, encouraging a supportive community for parents navigating these challenges.