High Maintenance Mom

I like order! I don't pretend I don't and I don't apologize for it. Well before my kids were born I had a picture of how I wanted my home to be run and it is true to form to this day. So, when I knew my daughter would be going to school each morning and that my husband wanted to be the one to drop her off on his way to work, I knew I had to have a "morning rush" plan. It didn't happen overnight but it did help to visualize how I wanted things to run and make adjustments here and there. When my son was born it had to be adjusted more. My point is, you have to have a plan and stick to it (within reason). Here are my tips for successfully getting the kids ready for school.....

1. Start the night before - lay out the kids clothes (check the weather), prepare the bag for school (change of clothes, homework, etc) pack the lunch (this is a MUST) and stage everything in the same place every night (back door, kitchen chair). This is one of the most important elements for the successful morning rush. It allows for some flexibility in the morning and everyone knows....you need to be flexible.

2. Give yourself enough time - don't wake up your kids 15 minutes before you have to leave! My 3 year old is old enough now that she likes to wake up leisurely, watch a few minutes of TV, have breakfast, etc. While my 17 month old could have his clothes stuck on him and some oatmeal shoveled into him and be fine. If you have to put your kids to bed at 7pm so they have 12 hours (yes, 12 hours and we can talk about that another time) then do it. On the days my daughter doesn't nap during her quiet time, she gets at bath at 6:30pm and if my husband isn't home by then, he doesn't see her. Michelle Obama and I have that in common.

3. Serve a healthy yet realistic breakfast - I swear by oatmeal on weekday mornings because it is very healthy, quick and the kids love it. I am not taking food orders at 7am! I can add all kinds of great things to it (flax meal, wheat germ and fruit), it's warm and I don't know of any kids who don't like it. I can also sneak my 17 month old's liquid vitamin in it. I keep the fancy breakfasts for the weekend (Pink Pancakes!).

4. Keep the flow moving/make it a known routine - tell your kids what's expected. If they know the same thing happens every morning, it wont be a surprise, the tantrums will be kept to a minimum and you will be the "on time parent".

There are more steps you can add but these are the few that make our mornings easy and fun. My daughter can dress herself and only needs help with making the oatmeal so I can focus on my son. My husband is free to get ready for his job and enjoys taking our daughter to school. The bottom line, keep it simple and do as much the night before as possible.