Getting children dressed, washed, fed and out the door on time can be a nightmare for many parents, including myself.
Getting children dressed, washed, fed and out the door on time can be a nightmare for many parents, including myself. I have four children under the age of eight to get ready each school morning so it can get very hectic at times, however, thankfully at least one fully cooperates and helps out when it gets busy, which is most days in fairness.
If you struggle to keep it together on school mornings why not introduce these practical tips each morning to help create some routine and make things run a little smoother.
Have uniforms ready for each child the night before
Take away as much stress as you can from your morning routine by getting as much ready the night before. Lay out each child's uniform or preschool clothes including their underwear, socks and shoes each evening when the kids go to bed alongside their coats and school bags.
Be realistic about time
Every house is different and each child moves at a different pace so work out how much time you need before you leave to figure out what time to set your alarm for. We set our for one hour and ten minutes before we need to be out the door. If you find you are always running late simply wake up an ten minutes earlier until you find a balance.
Make kids eat before they get dressed
One thing I have learned over the years is to make my kids eat their breakfast regardless of the food type before they get dressed. If they happen to spill any of it there is no panic looking for a clean uniform or outfit as their pj's can be washed while they are at school.
Prepare lunches the night before
Usually, while my kids are eating their breakfast I can sit at the table alongside them, chat and fuel myself with a coffee because lunches are mostly made the night before. Each morning I add their chopped fruit, yoghurts or anything that can go off as just before they leave the house to try to keep it as fresh as possible.
Rainy Days
Regardless of the weather, we walk to school so I always check the weather forecast the evening before so I can have wellies, hats or rain gear ready just in case.
Take away any distractions
Mornings in my house are technology free. There are no TVs, iPads or anything of its kind allowed. Try to keep distractions to a minimum to help get out the door on time. If they happen to get everything done with time to spare they can play with their toys until it is time to leave the house.
If you have any other tips to add we would love to know, tell us in the comments.
Kellie Kearney is a Dublin mammy of kids aged 2, 3, 4 and 8. A self-confessed procrastinator and picker-upper of things, Kellie's loves include coffee, doughnuts, travel and sharing every day true to life moments on Instagram of her expanding family. Follow her on Instagram.
