I love me a slow Sunday morning. Staying in pjs, sipping coffee, and taking my sweet time to get the day started. I mean, that is until the kids start fighting 😉 Nonetheless, maybe it’s Sunday’s fault that Monday mornings get such a bad rap. Monday can feel like a hard shift back to reality, but, a few simple changes to your morning routine can start your week off on a positive note.
On Monday I’m back to the office, the kids are back to school or daycare, and we are out of the door around 7:40 am– our weekday routine is in full effect.
Getting out of the house with little kids can be a challenge to say the least. And, this doesn’t matter if I’m heading to work in the morning or trying to make it out for a birthday party on a Saturday afternoon. Hell, we’ve even had struggles getting to a meet and greet with Anna and Elsa at their musical, and we all know the bribery potential for something of that caliber. There is just something about kids, leaving the house, and being on time for anything that is a challenge. So –first things first– cut yourself some slack and lose the Mom guilt if you’re feeling pressured about leaving the house in the morning with your kids.
A squirmy toddler as you try to wrangle their hair into a ponytail, a misplaced boot, or a spilled coffee in your morning haste can easily set your day off wrong. I get it, Mama, I’ve been there. And I’ve handled it with a lot less grace than I’d like to admit: snapping at my kids and then feeling overwhelmed with guilt for my in-the-moment actions five minutes later. The last thing I want to do is start their day off on the wrong foot, which is why our morning routine has become so important. With a little preparation, these days our mornings are a breeze and on Mondays we are excited to start a fresh new week!
Want to join us? Here’s how:
Easy Mornings for Moms on the Go
Prep the Night Before
It’s so obvious, but so key. At the end of the day all items come in from the car and are put away. V’s (age 4) job is to empty her school back-pack, and put her shoes and coat away. Backpacks are reloaded with the essentials, lunches are packed, and outfits are hung. We have a fun little place in each girl’s room to hang their outfit for the next day (hang everything, socks and underwear included!) And Mamas, pick out your clothes, too! It’s such a time saver.
Give Yourself Time
Try to be ready by the time your kids wake-up. Not ideal for everyone, I know, especially if you have early risers. But, whenever I do this it is the Smoothest. Morning. Ever. I’m not torn between getting myself ready and spending time with my kids. I also listen to a podcast while I’m getting ready: there’s nothing more refreshing than starting the day with a positive mindset.
Do Breakfast RightÂ
I never like to rush my kids through eating. Some days, the time frame from when the girls wake up to when we leave the house isn’t enough time to allow them to enjoy their meal. On those days they don’t have breakfast at home:Â I give them something small and healthy– usually a smoothie or fruit– and they eat the remainder of breakfast at daycare. If you have an early start and kids in daycare, I highly recommend asking your care provider if your kids can have breakfast when they arrive.
Here are some morning breakfast time-savers:
- Smoothie Packs: I always have a protein shake for breakfast, and my kids love having a smoothie just like Mama! I pre-prep smoothie packs for them and we all leave the house with a smoothie in hand.
- Spelt Flour Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Make on Sunday and refrigerate or freeze the left overs for the week! My littlest has also been known to swipe these off the counter on our way out the door 😉
- Mini (healthy) muffins
Set Your RoutineÂ
It’s no secret that kids love routine, so find a flow that works and stick to it. In my house, morning gummies are a big hit. My kids have to have their boots and jackets on before I’ll hand over the gummies and smoothies, and this routine makes the flow a lot easier. Think about how you move in the mornings and where things need to be/be done to help with the flow. Also consider removing what conflicts with your flow: morning TV is a no-go in our house. TV completely changes my daughter’s mood and it’s counterproductive to getting anyone going.
Go With the Flow
Remember that getting out the door with small children is no easy feat. Sometimes things won’t go exactly as planned and that’s to be expected: toddlers aren’t known for their even-keeled personalities or predictability, amiright? Change the conversation about mornings: don’t make it about rushing and lateness but more about a good start to your day. Get your kids involved and give everyone a role to help out:Â packing bags; handing out vitamins; making smoothies; feeding your pets, etc. Allowing my kids to help and be part of the process makes them want to join in!
Here’s to smoother mornings, happy families, and maybe five extra minutes to pick up a coffee. You got this, Mama!
xo, Raina
All great tips for getting started on a Monday. They make me so glad I work from home and teach the kids here too, though! LOL!!
So nice Marta! I find a routine is helpful even if we have no where to go! Thanks for reading!
Great advice- I will be implementing some of these for sure!
Thanks Ally- anything that helps make a Mama’s morning smooth! xo
These are really great tips for a productive morning!
Thank you, Paula! I love having a great start to the day.
Prepping the night before is such a great tip! it will definitely help during morning rush
It makes a HUGE difference! When I have to pick out my outfit and/or steam it in the morning it all goes down the drain. Evening prep is key!
My goal for this summer is no more manic mornings on the way to camp. Prepping the night before is key for me, as well as getting enough rest so I’m not so darn crabby in the morning!
Yes Amanda! I need to work on earlier bedtimes for myself. Hope those camp days go smoothly!
I love the smoothie pack idea! I do this for myself; it helps me get to work on time with a yummy and healthy breakfast in hand!
Thanks Emily! They are super simple to make and ensure that you do breakfast right! 😉
Prepping is definitely KEY for a busy mom!!
You bet it is! xo
Prepping the night before (and even the weekend) before is key for me, even as a single person without children.
So true Jazz. I need it even more with my little girls, but even just for me it makes a world of difference. Thanks for stopping by!
Preparation is definitely key! It’s smart to plan her outfit out in advance too.
She just loves to pick out what she’s wearing. Sometimes I surprise her by hanging something new or something I know she loves and she’s so happy!
These are awesome tips! As a working mama on the go I can totally relate to each of these suggestions! As well as the need for a lazy weekend every once in awhile.
Thanks Meredith! I hated the idea of struggling with time in the morning as a working Mama, but now I know that starting everyone’s day right and with a good mindset is what matters most! Hope these help!
I always prep lunch the night before but I’m loving your breakfast ideas! I’ll have to try them!
Thanks Lisa! I’ll do up a smoothie prep post soon!
Some great tips here! I really needed these as I am a night owl and struggle to get going in the morning.
Hope they help, Edel! Thanks for reading!
Great tips…useful even if you’re not a mum x
You’re right Marina! A good morning routine is good for everyone and anyone!
I love the idea of getting kids involved and giving them a role to help out! It teaches them responsibility, and makes things go a little smoother in the mornings!
So true Jessica! My girls love the jobs and you’re right, the added responsibility is great! We just did our kindergarten orientation and they suggested a lot of the little jobs both of my girls are already doing!
I need to get better about picking out clothes and laying them out the night before!
It makes such a big difference Jenn! Hope it works for you!
Love these tips! Also, I’m super impressed that you can get out the door at 7:40 with your kids!
LOL thanks Shani! It’s pretty normal for us given my work hours (which I choose, I like the early start for now!)
Waking up before my kids and being as prepared as possible (laying out clothes, having a breakfast menu planned) really makes our mornings easy. When I drop the ball, bad things happen!
I’ve been there too Amanda! A nice, smooth, stress free morning feels so good doesn’t it?
these tips are awesome. having the right routine can make any day a great one!
Thanks Karen, glad you enjoyed the read!
These are such good tips! I implement some of them myself and it helps so much. One of my favorite things to do is get my bag ready for the following day and pick out my clothes! Such a time saver!
Agreed Katie! Taking those little details out of the morning rush makes a huge difference! Thanks for stopping by!
This is brilliant. I’ve pinned it as I know some of my readers need this and certainly have been there too! Well said Momma!
Thanks so much Jenn! I really appreciate your feedback and sharing. xo
I’m not a mama, but I still feel like I can apply some of these things to my morning routines (i.e. podcast and preparing the night before). Wonderful post!
These are great tips. I specially liked how you said to make sure to remember no two days might be the same. Doesn’t stop us from trying though 🙂 Kids do thrive on routine.
Awesome advice! Routine is the biggest helpful tip for me. When we get off routine, everything is so much more difficult!
I don’t have kids but I prep the night before, otherwise I couldn’t get myself out of the house.
Lazy Sundays are definitely the best – I agree, probably why Mondays are the worst cause they just can’t live up to it!
What great tips! I start back work on July 1 and I will definitely be implementing some of these tricks.
So great to hear your feedback Raquel! Good luck with your transition back, it’ll go great! xo