Simplifying your morning routine
March 1, 2012
Morning can be one of the most stressful times of the day for busy moms, especially those who are trying to get themselves and their kids ready and out the door for school every day. Whether your kids are old enough to get themselves ready in the morning or not, there are some easy ways to simplify your morning routine and help get the day off to a good start for everyone.
The best piece of advice is to be organized. Get as many things done the night before as possible. This includes getting homework done, packing backpacks and making lunches - for both yourself and your children.
Showering before bed rather than in the morning and laying out your clothes can also help make mornings less hectic. This is especially helpful for kids who have a definite opinion about what they will and will not wear, as letting them choose their clothing gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also helps avoid searching for a favorite outfit in the morning instead of making time for breakfast.
If you are one of those people whose hair looks great when you get out of bed, consider yourself lucky. If you simply must start your day by washing your hair, try to perfect your grooming routine in as little time as possible. Investing in tools such as a hair dryer, curling or flattening iron and a good brush can make bad hair days few and far between.
Choosing beauty items that do double-duty, such as tinted moisturizer, which helps to keep skin hydrated and serves as a foundation, can save you precious time in the morning. Keeping all of your must-use makeup items in an easy-to-access place is beneficial as well.
It also helps to have yourself dressed and ready to go by the time the rest of your family is up and at 'em! This way you'll have time to help manage the inevitable chaos that some mornings bring.
Planning breakfast and setting items out ahead of time can be another time-saver in the morning. While cereal is an easy and quick breakfast item, other foods can be equally as convenient on busy mornings with some planning. For instance, if you know your daughter will only eat blueberry pancakes for breakfast, stock up on frozen ones or make them yourself and pop them in the freezer on the weekend so they can be put in the microwave when needed. Other things such as omelets, muffins and bacon can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed, too.
Remember that while pursuing a college degree can make some things - like mornings - more challenging for your family, it will also pay off in the end.
Luckily, mothers who are going to school have options such as scholarships for mothers, grants for parents and other financial aid available so they don't have to stress out about paying for their education.
