My style of mom life is what I like to call organized chaos. I believe chaos can be tamed, but only if you put in some effort to prepare for the inevitable.
I do this by making a nightly checklist to set myself up for a smooth morning routine of getting my kids out the door. It saves me time, and significantly reduces stress from the morning rush.
KITCHEN RESET:
This includes wiping down tables and counters, loading/running the dishwasher, taking out the trash, and prepping coffee for the next morning. Doing these simple chores at night allows you to wake up to a clean house, and you can start brewing a pot of coffee right away.
SET OUT KIDS STUFF
If you have to drop the kids off at daycare or school early in the morning, it saves so much time if you set out their outfits, coats, and shoes the night before. Prepping the diaper bag is also a must if you have one!
PLAN YOUR OUTFIT
If you’re like me and spend too long picking out an outfit, plan it the night before. I like choosing leggings and a hoodie because I’m ready to go for my workout!
Do you have a nightly checklist or routine that helps you out in the morning rush?
... Read moreYou know that feeling, right? The one where you wake up and instantly feel like you're playing catch-up? As a mom, I totally get it. My 'organized chaos' approach isn't just about surviving; it's about thriving, especially during those crucial evening hours. My nightly checklist is my secret weapon for setting myself up for an easy morning, and I've learned a few tricks to make it even more effective.
Let's talk about the 'family dinner routine.' For me, dinner isn't just about getting food on the table; it’s a moment to connect. We aim for simple, nutritious meals that don't require hours of prep. Sometimes, I even prep ingredients earlier in the day or use slow cooker meals. After dinner, the 'KITCHEN RESET' isn't just a chore; it's a necessary ritual. Beyond wiping down tables and counters and loading/running the dishwasher, I find that having a dedicated spot for everything makes a huge difference. Getting the kids involved, even in small ways like putting their plates in the sink or helping with a quick sweep, instills good habits and makes the task quicker. And that prepped coffee for the next morning? Pure gold – the smell alone is a great start!
Then comes the 'evening routine family' aspect, which extends beyond the kitchen. The article touched on 'SET OUT KIDS STUFF', and this is a game-changer. For younger ones, 'pack diaper bag' and laying out their 'set out outfits' means no frantic searching at 6 AM. For older kids, empowering them to 'choosing your outfit' and setting out their 'set out coats and shoes' teaches responsibility and 'saves so much time.' I also add a quick check of backpacks for any forgotten papers or lunchboxes.
But what about your downtime? After all the prepping, I always make sure to 'PLAN YOUR OUTFIT' for myself – even if it's just comfy leggings and a hoodie for a workout. It makes me 'feel much less rushed.' After that, I take a few minutes for myself, maybe read a book or just enjoy the quiet. The goal is to avoid that feeling of being overwhelmed the moment your feet hit the floor. Remember, a little effort tonight means a much smoother, happier morning for everyone, especially for moms like me, who might be juggling 'two under three'! It’s all about creating a ripple effect of calm. What small step can you add to your nightly routine tonight to make tomorrow brighter?
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