FIVE WAYS TO MAKE MORNINGS WITH YOUR KIDS A BREEZE

Tired of chaotic, rushed mornings with your kids? You’re not alone! With these five simple steps, your mornings can be a breeze

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Mornings with kids can often feel like a whirlwind of chaos, leaving parents feeling frazzled before the day even begins. But fear not! You can transform your morning routine into a stress-free and enjoyable experience for you and your little ones.

STEP 1: PREPARE THE NIGHT BEFORE
The key to a stress-free morning lies in the evening routine. Take a few moments before bedtime to lay the groundwork for the next day. Encourage your kids to participate in laying out their clothing, ensuring that it’s weather-appropriate and ironed if needed. Knowing the weather forecast will help you choose outfits and prepare for any necessary accessories, such as umbrellas or jackets. Overnight oats and egg casserole are game-changers. Prepare breakfast and school lunch in advance and store them in the fridge. Then you can simply grab them in the morning and go. Establish a consistent sleep routine by setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times, even on weekends, to ensure the kids are well-rested and ready for the day. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help them wind down and prepare for sleep – this could include reading a book and taking a warm bath. Limit their exposure to TV or phone screens an hour before bed.

STEP 2: CREATE A MORNING ‘LAUNCHPAD’
Designate a specific area, such as a corner of the kitchen counter or a wall near the door, where you can organise essential items the night before. Encourage your kids to place their backpacks, sports kit, homework and any permission slips or forms needed for the next day in the launchpad area before bedtime. This ensures that everything is in one place and ready to go. You can also place what you will need here. Before leaving the house, always check the launchpad.

STEP 3: DRAFT A MORNING SCHEDULE
A visual morning schedule is a useful tool for you and your kids. It helps everyone stay on track and provides a clear roadmap for the morning routine. You can create a simple chart with pictures or words to represent each task that needs to be completed. Involve your kids in creating the schedule so they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility for their morning routine. Help them understand the importance of each task. Then, display the chart in a visible location.

STEP 4: WAKE UP BEFORE YOUR KIDS
Waking up earlier can make a world of difference in how the morning unfolds. Before attending to your children’s needs, take a moment to focus on yourself. Shower or wash your face, get dressed and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. This self-care routine will help you feel more prepared and centred before the morning rush begins. Also take a few moments to review your day’s to-do list.

STEP 5: EMBRACE FLEXIBILITY
Life with kids is inherently unpredictable, so embracing flexibility in your morning routine is essential. Last-minute changes and unexpected delays are part and parcel of parenthood. Being organised can make it easier to deal with these hiccups. Instead of stressing about minor disruptions, use them as an opportunity to teach your children about resilience and adaptability. A flexible attitude will set a positive example for your kids and ease morning chaos.

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Kid-friendly recipes for simple and nutritious breakfast and lunch ideas: thingstodowithkids.co.za
• Make the morning routine efficient and fun with a free, printable checklist: twinkl.co.za

GOOD IDEA
Encourage children to stick to the morning and evening routine by awarding stars or stickers for completed tasks, and offer a privilege once a certain number of stars are earned.

Words by: Koketso Mashika
Photo & Illustration: Gallo/Getty Images