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7 Tips for Easy Mornings (for your kids and you!)

ByKmattison

“No matter how hard I try, it still seems like I’m yelling to get the kids out the door before the bus moves on, then I’m racing to get to work on time.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!

Mornings in a busy household can feel like a chaotic race against the clock. Between getting kids dressed, packing lunches, and making sure everyone gets out the door on time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Not everyone is a morning person and that’s ok! Plus, as kids get older, they go from refusing to go to sleep, to refusing to wake up. SO.MUCH.FUN.

But with a few simple strategies, you can turn hectic mornings into smoother, more peaceful starts to the day.

Use the following seven steps to make mornings easier.

#1 Start the Night Before

A good bedtime routine sets the stage for a productive morning. If you’re really struggling with your mornings, I recommend working on bedtime routines for you and your kids first.

I recently worked with a mom who had to get two young kids out the door in the morning for daycare and school. She quickly realized that on the nights she implemented her own bedtime routine (she already had her kids on a good routine), she had no problem getting out the door on time. However, on nights when she stayed up, or wasted time scrolling on her phone, her kids ended up late for school.

If you need help with creating a bedtime routine for you and your kids, check out these posts:

#2 Wake Up Before Your Kids (If Possible)

You don’t have to wake up hours before your kids to reap the benefits. Giving yourself even 10-15 minutes of quiet time before the kids wake up will set the day up for success.

You can use this time to:

  • Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea
  • Do a quick stretch or yoga
  • Review your day’s to-do list
  • Read a book
  • Journal or do something meditative

When you give yourself a few minutes in the morning before your kids wake up, you’ll feel more organized and in control of your day.

#3 Create a Kid-Friendly Morning Routine

Kids thrive on routine. A simple visual checklist can help them know what’s expected without constant reminders.

For Example:

  • Brush teeth
  • Get dressed
  • Eat breakfast
  • Put on shoes and grab backpack

If your child struggles to stay on track, set a timer or play a fun morning playlist to keep them moving. I’ve used timers for years to keep my family moving along with our routine, and when the kids were young, I had a morning motivation playlist we would use every morning.

You’ll find morning routine checklists for you and your kids for FREE here!

#4 Keep Breakfast Simple

We have three options in my house, and I always serve them with fruit:

  • Waffle with peanut butter and jelly
  • Cereal
  • Microwaveable breakfast sandwich

Once in a great while I’ll cook up some eggs, but I prefer making a quick breakfast that makes the least amount of mess.

#5 Avoid Power Struggles

Mornings can bring battles over getting dressed, brushing hair, or putting on shoes. To minimize conflict:

  • Give limited choices (“Would you like the blue shirt or the red one?”)
  • Use natural consequences (“If you don’t wear your coat, you might be cold.”)
  • Keep expectations consistent each day, this is where routine is helpful.
  • Choose your battles. When you find yourself on the brink of yelling at your child because they won’t brush their hair, set a timer for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, chances are the unbrushed hair won’t seem like that big a deal.

#6 Make Getting Out the Door Easier

To avoid last-minute scrambling:

  • Keep shoes, jackets, and backpacks in a designated spot near the door
  • Use a “5-minute warning” before it’s time to leave
  • Have a “no-turning-back” rule to reduce trips back inside for forgotten items

#7 Keep Your Own Stress in Check

Kids pick up on our energy, so staying calm sets the tone for the morning. If things start getting tense:

  • Take a deep breath before reacting and set your timer for 5 minutes
  • Use humor to lighten the mood
  • Remind yourself that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is
  • And if all else fails, remind yourself that you’re human and it’s ok to have a rough morning once and a while

Check out these posts if you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed:

Use These Seven Tips to Make Mornings Easier

Mornings don’t have to feel like a battle. With a little preparation and structure, you can create a smoother routine that works for both you and your kids.

Start small by implementing one or two tips, and over time, you’ll notice a big difference in your morning stress levels.

What tip will you implement to make your mornings easier? Let me know in the comments.

**Before you leave, grab The “Type A” Moms Guide to Feel Organized + In Control of Your Time, for FREE.  You’ll find it here.**

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