Morning Routines for Busy Moms: Transforming Chaos into Calm

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Morning is an important time of the day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day your are going to have. - Daniel Handler

Mornings can feel like a whirlwind for busy moms. Between preparing breakfast, getting the kids ready for school (or study time if you homeschooling kids), and tackling the first tasks of the day, it's easy to end up feeling frazzled and overwhelmed before the day has truly begun. This chaos can set a stressful tone for the rest of the day, impacting not just your productivity but also your personal well-being.

Your morning routine generate a 10X return for good or bad. Make it good. - Todd Stocker

The key to transforming these chaotic mornings into calm, productive starts lies in establishing a structured morning routine. This routine should prioritize not only the necessary tasks to get the family ready but also incorporate elements of self-care and personal development for you. By doing so, you can ensure that you're not just surviving the morning but thriving, setting a positive tone for the entire day.

Tips for a Successful Morning Routine:

1. Wake Up Before the Rest of the Household:
Give yourself a head start by waking up even just 15-30 minutes before your family. Use this quiet time for yourself – whether it's for meditation, a quick workout, journaling, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee (or your morning drink) in peace. This can help center you before the day's demands start.

2. Prepare the Night Before:
Reduce morning stress by preparing as much as you can the night before. Lay out clothes for you and the kids (for small kids), prepare lunchboxes (for small kids), and set the breakfast table. Needs some fresh ideas for healthy snack for kids? Check my blog post "“25 Great & Healthy Snacks for Everyone“!". Every little bit helps to streamline your morning.

3. Create a Visual Schedule:
Especially for families with younger children, a visual schedule can help keep everyone on track. Use pictures for the little ones so they know what task comes next, from brushing teeth to putting on shoes. This not only teaches them independence but also frees up your time.

4. Incorporate Learning or Personal Development:
While the kids eat breakfast or get dressed, play an educational podcast or audiobook that aligns with your personal development goals. This ensures you're feeding your mind and soul from the get-go.

5. Delegate What You Can:
Remember, you don't have to do it all. Assign age-appropriate tasks to your children to help with morning chores. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also instills a sense of responsibility in them.

6. Practice Gratitude:
Take a moment each morning to reflect on what you're grateful for. This can be a mental note, something you jot down in a journal, or a discussion point at the breakfast table. Starting the day with a positive mindset can significantly impact your mood and outlook. Be example for your kids, teach them to be grateful. Get my Gratitude journal here: 

7. Stay Flexible:
Despite the best-laid plans, mornings can still go awry. When they do, take a deep breath and go with the flow. Flexibility and a sense of humor can save the day.

Example of my morning routine 

I have found that having a structured morning is one of the most important steps in having a “good” day for myself and my children. Following is the morning routine that I follow on school days to help me and my children have “good” days with less fussing from my children and less stress for me.

Help with creating your routine

Creating and then following your routine will take time (usually 21 days), consistency, and desire. When I was creating my routine, I found it helpful to follow a checklist until my routine became a habit.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection but progress. Here's to mornings that energize and inspire you, setting the stage for a day filled with accomplishment and joy.