Tips for Busy Moms to Streamline the Morning Routine

Any suggestion that I not shower in the morning as a method to get out of the house faster is just not helpful. Like most women, I need the sharp spray from the shower head beating down on me to shake off residual sleepiness after I tumble out of bed. However, a smooth morning routine sets the tone for a better day. Try these steps to see if it improves yours.

Do It the Night Before

This may seem obvious, but anything done the night before does not have to be done in the morning. Pre-program the coffeemaker the previous night, set out the breakfast dishes, pre-pack a lunch, lay out the next day's clothes, set bags by the door. Make sure any paperwork you need to sign and items you need to pack or replenish are already in the bags, or even in the car.

Get Up on Time

It's tempting to sleep those extra 10 minutes, but started in a frazzled rush will set you back almost twice as long as you overslept. Set an alarm and get up instead of snoozing multiple times. Similarly, let the kids sleep as long as possible but don't wait until the absolute last minute. Your little morning sunshine might need adjustment time, too.

Create a Get-Up Ritual

Whether it's up-shower-teeth-dressed for you or up-teeth-dressed for your kids, following the same steps on a day-to-day basis will make your morning run smoother. Every other day try wearing a shower cap to minimize hair care time instead of the full blow-dry session.

Make It Fun

Children instinctually drag their feet when you are in a rush and tense. Instead of nagging about getting dressed, turn it into a game to see who can get their socks on first. The "coat flip" trick is guaranteed to encourage a toddler to put on his own coat. Lie a coat or sweatshirt on the ground with the hood facing your child's feet. Show him how to slide his arms into the sleeves and pull the entire coat up over his head. Similarly, a fun breakfast food and five un-interrupted minutes with Mommy will encourage a reluctant pre-schooler to the table.

Write It Down

Take a few minutes and jot down everything you do in the morning: from getting up to getting yourself and children dressed and ready to breakfast to walking the dog, etc. When you see the long list of things you do every morning, it may give you an idea of where you can streamline your routine. Seeing the written checklist may also help ensure you don't forget important steps (i.e. does the baby's daycare bag have diapers). If you have to remember to bring something special (i.e. the birthday cupcakes), put a sticky note on your keys so you don't forget it.

Establish Set Places

Keep your keys, wallet, shoes, and bags in the same place every time so you do not spend valuable minutes searching for them. Make sure that everyone knows to put them there and where to look. Similarly, keep like with like: breast milk or formula with bottle in the refrigerator, lunch bags with carry sacks, car snacks with water bottles. It is faster and simpler to only have to go to one last-minute place.

Implementing any or all of these steps should help tame your morning mayhem.