Stress saver: beat the bus stop blues

April 2, 1:15 AMSt. Louis Family & Parenting ExaminerAngela Atkinson

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the St. Louis Family & Parenting Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Image Credit: d r o u u/sxc.hu

Mornings can get hectic with school aged kids. Save yourself some trouble by trying these tips to help make the morning rush a breeze at your house.

Lay out clothes for the next day. My kids each have a "tomorrow basket." They choose their clothes for the next day, including socks, undergarments and shoes. These are placed in their tomorrow baskets, along with backpacks and other items they need to take to school.

Make lunches ahead of time. If your child brings lunch, pack it the night before and store it in the fridge.

Plan for breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Studies show that kids who eat a healthy breakfast are more productive in school and get better grades. Prepare breakfast ahead of time or get up fifteen minutes early to cook it. It only takes a minute to scramble an egg and make a piece of whole grain toast. Toss in a piece of fruit and a glass of milk and you've got a balanced breakfast.

Schedule showers. Prioritize family showers according to departure times. For example, my oldest son leaves the house before my husband, so he takes the first shower of the day. Then my husband takes his shower, followed by our pre-schooler. My one year  old is bathed in the evenings (unless otherwise necessary). Younger kids can bathe in the evening to save time in the mornings.

Change your perspective. Finally, if your mornings are especially hectic, a change in perspective might be in order. Consider getting up a half hour before the rest of your family in order to allow yourself to wake up slowly and peacefully. This can also give you a much needed break before you start your busy day.