Imagine this: it’s a typical weekday morning, and my three little whirlwinds are already up and running before the sun fully lights the sky. One of them is intent on building a rocket from his Lego set while the other two are engaged in a heated debate over who gets the blue plate for breakfast. Sound familiar? The chaos might seem overwhelming, but I’ve learned how to embrace it, manage it, and even enjoy it!
As a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) of three, I’ve developed a morning routine that helps me balance my kids’ schedules while also ensuring I get myself ready for the day. Here’s how I do it, along with some tips and tricks to help you create your own successful morning routine.
The Power of Preparation
Here’s the thing: preparation is key. The night before, I spend a little bit of time getting things in order. This doesn’t mean I have a rigorous schedule or that everything needs to be perfectly organized—let’s be honest, that’s just not realistic with three kids! But here’s what I typically do:
Set out clothes: I lay out clothes for myself and my kids for the next day. This small task saves time in the morning and reduces potential wardrobe battles (because we all know they happen).
Meal prep: I prep breakfast ingredients or even make some breakfast items ahead. For example, I often whip up a batch of blueberry avocado mini muffins. They’re yummy and easy to grab!
Tidy up: Just a quick five minutes of tidying up in the kitchen can make a world of difference. It helps me feel more relaxed in the morning when I don’t have to navigate around toys and last-night’s dinner mess.
By taking these simple steps, I wake up to a more manageable environment, which sets a positive tone for the day before it even starts.
Creating a Morning Routine
Now that I’ve laid the groundwork the night before, it’s all about having a routine that works for my family. My mornings typically include the following steps:
Step One: Wake Up Before the Kids
I try to get up before my little ones. This “me time” is sacred. Whether it’s just 15 minutes or half an hour, I use this time to enjoy a cup of coffee, check my planner, or do a few gentle stretches. If you’re thinking, “That sounds lovely, but how can I manage that?” you’re not alone! Waking up early can be tricky, but even just waking up ten minutes earlier can set you up for a better day.
Step Two: Get Dressed and Ready
Here’s where I get myself dressed. Sure, I might still be in my comfy pants for part of the morning, but I make sure to put on something that makes me feel good. It’s amazing how even a small effort in self-care can boost your mood. Plus, when I feel put together, I’m more likely to tackle the tasks ahead with energy.
Step Three: Start Breakfast
After I’m dressed, it’s time to tackle breakfast. This is a family affair for us. My older kids love to help mix ingredients or set the table. It’s a beautiful chaos, but they feel involved, and it helps me get more done faster.
If you’re looking for some engaging activities for your toddlers while getting breakfast ready, check out this article about creating a simple toddler morning routine.
Step Four: Eat Together
We all sit down for breakfast together. We chat about the day ahead and what everyone is looking forward to. I find that this way, my kids feel connected and start the day on a positive note. It also helps them share their thoughts, and I get a peek into what’s going on in their little worlds.
Step Five: Morning Hygiene Routines
Once breakfast is done, we move on to personal hygiene. I encourage my kids to brush their teeth and wash their faces. It’s essential to instill good habits early on. Plus, I often set a timer to make this task feel like a game rather than a chore.
Step Six: Check the Schedule
Before I send them on their way to school or other activities, I take a moment to review the day’s agenda with them. This practice minimizes surprises and ensures everyone is on the same page. Sometimes, I even include little stickers for our planned activities as incentives!
Activities for the Younger Ones
If your kiddos are in the younger age bracket (like toddlers or babies), you might be juggling nap times harder than anything else. Take a deep breath—you’re absolutely doing an amazing job! When my youngest was born, I found it effective to involve the older kids in looking after their baby sibling.
Incorporate playtime: Designate a specific time for play with the baby while you prepare breakfast. Toddlers love to show off their “big kid” skills.
Use soft toys: Hand your little one a soft toy that’s safe to chew on while they’re propped up and enjoying some tummy time.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay if things don’t go as planned. Flexibility is the secret sauce in any family’s morning routine.
Quick Tips for a Smooth Morning
Here are a few quick tips that help streamline our mornings:
Keep toys and activities accessible: Having bins or baskets with toys in the living room allows for easy access. They can dive in while you get things done.
Make a checklist: Create a morning checklist for your kids. Simple tasks like “brush teeth” or “get dressed” can be fun and rewarding.
Limit morning screens: I’ve found that too much screen time can throw off our routine, so we save that for after we’ve accomplished our morning tasks.
Mistakes to Avoid
Through trial and error (and a lot of patience), I’ve learned a few things to avoid during our morning chaos:
Don’t skip self-care: If you feel frazzled and grumpy, it can rub off on everyone. Take a moment for yourself!
Avoid rushing: When you rush, you create chaos. Slow it down; give yourself and your kids ample time to move through the morning.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a relative, you don’t have to do it all alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Conclusion
Finding the right balance for mornings at home may take time, and it’s perfectly normal for it to evolve as your children grow. Embrace the chaos, and try to find beauty in the little moments. Each morning is a new opportunity to create cherished memories with your little ones.
For more helpful tips, consider checking out resources like 9 tips to stay fit when you have little kids, or exploring my daily schedule with an 18-month-old and a 4-year-old to see how others navigate similar challenges. For inspiration on managing routines, listen to the Habit Stacking Mom podcast that covers all things routines. Lastly, remember to create a morning routine that’s doable for you through this excellent article on creating a morning routine that’s doable.
No matter how your mornings unfold, you’re doing a wonderful job, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
