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Joyfully you sing the song in your head, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” No, it’s not Christmas, it’s back to school.
With September just around the corner your quite mornings will soon get ramped up and crazy! Sure you’re glad they’re headed back to the classroom but with it comes the stress of getting everyone out the door on time.
I was pretty lucky. I only had one child, and she loved school, so I didn’t ever have to nag her to get up and get dressed. Mornings were pretty easy, breezy for us.
But I know it’s not that way for most families. Typically someone goes without breakfast, misses the bus or worse has a bad hair day.
Use these simple tricks so you can wake up smiling and your whole family can speed out the door pulled together, fed and ready to greet the day!
Table of Contents
Kiss Back To School Stress Goodbye
Start with Breakfast
We all know breakfast is the best meal of the day. Breakfast helps to get your brain in gear. Plus nothing’s worse than staring at the clock wishing it was lunchtime. You don’t want you or your kids distracted in that way.
If you have trouble getting everyone fed, set the table for breakfast before going to bed. Put out all the nonperishable items on the table like cereal, bagels, peanut butter, and bananas that you’ll need for a no fuss meal. This one simple trick will easily save you 15 minutes in the morning.
If your coffee maker has a timer, prep it before bed, set the timer and wake up to freshly brewed coffee. Just add cream and sugar and you’re set.
Related: 15 Back To School Hacks That Are As Easy As 1-2-3
Ditch Your Alarm
I haven’t owned an alarm clock in over 30 years. I HATE to wake up to the sound of a screeching alarm. No thanks. Being startled from deep sleep leaves you needlessly groggy for hours.
One simple trick is to switch to a “smart alarm” on a free phone app like SleepBot. It’s easy to use. You just set your wake up time and then keep your phone on or near your bed at night. The app uses sound and motion sensors to wake you during a light phase of sleep, so you feel great instead of groggy.
So go ahead and ditch that alarm clock and give the app a try. I love it, and it’s free!
Dress Yourself Fast
Staring at the closet trying to figure out what to wear can take up an enormous amount of time in the morning. Instead of staring at the closet, try this instead.
When you find an outfit you love and looks great on you, take a selfie. Then create an album in your phone entitled “Wear This.” Next time you’re stumped on what to wear, flip through your pictures and pick and outfit you already know looks great on you. Easy breezy!
You can create albums for the entire family!
Related: How To Save on Back To School Shopping
Stay On Track
Create a playlist for your morning routine packed with songs that lift your spirits and get the whole family moving. Plus you won’t need to watch the clock while your playlist is on. You’ll use it to help keep everyone on schedule. For example, you might realize everyone needs to be done showering by the end of track three and finished breakfast after track five has finished. One tune shown to enhance brain function is Vivaldi’s, “Spring Concerto.”
Get the kids moving and grooving too. Make them their own playlist and remind them that they need to get dressed by the end of “Happy” and be at the table by the time “Let It Go” ends.
Create a Launch Pad
You’re not heading to the moon, but you are heading out as a family so create a launch pad area for you to use. Consider ideas like a bench by your most used doorway. Make it the designated area to store and organize everything you’ll need when you leave. Keep baskets under the bench for backpacks, totes, and briefcases. Set smaller baskets on top of the bench for smaller items like keys, wallets, and phones. Consider it the charging station too.
Mornings can be stressful. But if you use these ideas, tips, and strategies you’ll save time in the morning plus get everyone out the door on time.
