Mornings with kids can feel like barely controlled chaos. Between getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door on time, it’s easy to start the day feeling frazzled. But with a few simple strategies, you can transform your family’s morning routine from stressful to (mostly) smooth sailing. Try these 5 tips to bring more order to your busy mornings:
Prep the Night Before
One of the best ways to make mornings easier is to do as much as you can the evening before. Think of it like setting up a CBD office space — you want everything organized and ready to go when you arrive.
Lay out clothes for each family member, including yourself. Pack lunches and snacks. Make sure backpacks are filled with completed homework and any needed supplies. The more you can accomplish at night, the less hectic your morning will be.
Wake Up Before the Kids
It may sound painful, but try setting your alarm 15-30 minutes earlier than your children typically wake up. Use this time to get yourself ready, enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, or tackle a quick chore.
Starting your day with some peaceful moments can help you feel more centered when the morning rush begins. You’ll feel more patient and prepared because you’re not scrambling to get yourself ready while also trying to wrangle the kids.
Create a Morning Routine Chart
Kids thrive on routine, and a visual checklist can help them stay on track. Make a simple chart with pictures or words showing the steps of your family’s morning routine. Include tasks like:
Get dressed
Eat breakfast
Brush teeth
Put on shoes
Grab backpack
Hang the chart where everyone can see it, and encourage kids to check off each task as they complete it. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and independence while keeping things moving.
Designate a “Launch Pad”
Create a designated spot near your door for backpacks, jackets, shoes, and anything else needed for school or work. This could be hooks on the wall, cubbies, or even just a clear space on the floor. Make it a rule that everything goes in this spot as soon as kids get home.
When it’s time to leave in the morning, there’s no frantic searching for missing items, as everything is in its place.
Make Breakfast Simple
Elaborate breakfasts are lovely, but weekday mornings usually aren’t the time for them. Instead, stock up on quick, healthy options that don’t require much prep. Some ideas:
Yogurt with granola and fruit
Whole grain toast with peanut butter
Overnight oats
Hard-boiled eggs (make a batch on weekends)
Smoothies (prep ingredients in freezer bags for easy blending)
Consider setting up a self-serve breakfast station. Put cereal boxes, bowls, and spoons where kids can reach them, and store milk in a small pitcher that’s easy for little hands to pour. This will encourage your kids to be more independent and it’ll save you time.
From Chaotic to Orderly Mornings
No morning routine is perfect. There will still be days when things go off the rails. But by implementing these strategies, you can create a framework that brings more calm to your family’s mornings.
Start by choosing one or two tips to try. Once those become habits, add in others, and be patient with yourself and your kids as you adjust. With some planning and practice, you’ll be starting more of your days on a positive note.
