Growing up, my father had a saying: “If you’re on time, you’re late.” I vividly recall him ushering our family out the door well ahead of any scheduled event. It became a running joke that he often spent more time in airport lounges than on his actual flights, thanks to his unwavering commitment to punctuality. On the day we brought him home for his final farewell, we shared bittersweet laughter as the funeral director mentioned he would have arrived at the airport three hours early for his flight.
I’ve inherited his knack for punctuality, and I’ve faced my fair share of playful jabs over the years. Even after having children, I’m rarely late for playdates, preschool, or any event that requires us to be somewhere on time. I know what you’re thinking—yes, I’m that mom who shows up promptly—but I refuse to apologize for it. I’m not trying to be boastful.
My friends often roll their eyes when they arrive late and discover I’m already seated at a café or waiting at the gym. Some have even teased me, asking, “Can’t you just be late like the rest of us? You’re such a show-off.” The truth is, I can’t “just be late.” It turns out, those of us who are consistently on time have a different internal clock than those who tend to be late.
Strategies for Punctuality
While there’s no magic formula to ensure you always arrive at “Mommy and Me” class on time, I do have a few strategies that can help:
- Ditch the Snooze Button: This might sound harsh, but when my alarm goes off, I get up immediately. I make sure I set my alarm to allow enough time for my kids and a cup of coffee or two. Though it’s tempting to luxuriate in bed for an extra few minutes, it often leads to chaos and a caffeine deficit.
- Prepare as if Every Day is the First Day of School: Those back-to-school photos are a reminder that organization is key. I treat each day as if it’s the first day of school, making sure backpacks are ready, shoes are found, and meals are prepped the night before. This habit can save you from frantic searches for shoes when the bus is just minutes away.
- Stick to Your Schedule: I admit I’m a bit of a stickler for leaving events on time. While I enjoy catching up with friends, I prioritize my schedule. I’ve learned to build in time for socializing, but I still adhere to my planned departure time.
- Identify and Change What Makes You Late: If you find yourself consistently late to certain activities, it’s worth evaluating your routine. Often, it’s the small things—like not having your keys in the right place or forgetting to pack the dance bag—that cause delays.
- Value Downtime: I used to feel guilty about having a few spare minutes as a stay-at-home mom. However, trying to squeeze in one more task often backfired and threw off my entire day. Embracing downtime can actually free up more time in your schedule and reduce stress.
People who are chronically on time have specific habits and structures in place that help us avoid the frantic rush into PTA meetings. While we might get teased for being organized, this approach works for us and many other parents. And if you happen to be running late, don’t worry—I’ll gladly wait. It gives me a few extra moments to unwind and catch up on social media.
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Summary
Punctuality as a parent is achievable with the right habits in place. By avoiding the snooze button, planning ahead, adhering to schedules, reassessing time-wasting habits, and valuing downtime, parents can arrive on time without stress. Having these structured routines can help ensure you’re not the one rushing in late, and it’s okay to embrace being organized.