Mornings are the most hectic time of the day for me. Waking up trying to get me and Kai ready can be very daunting if I choose not to plan ahead. Now that Kai is 16 months, I think I’ve finally have figured out what makes the start to my day. Even if you aren’t a working mom, I also believe that you can also benefit from these tips as well. Days always seem harder when I forgo my planning, so here are a few things I do to make my mornings with my toddler easier.
Because our kids spend so much time out of the home and in the care of others, it is important that we not only maximize our productivity in the morning but make it meaningful as well. This time does not always feel precious, especially when we don’t make time to establish a connection with the ones we truly love. These five tips have made my morning seem less rushed and more purposeful. I feel that it has helped to also calm my feelings of mom guilt since I often regret not spending the time I truly desire with my child. These steps are simple yet intentional.
1. SET OUT YOUR OUTFITS THE NIGHT BEFORE
Set out your clothing for work and your kid’s outfits as well. This saves me so much time in the morning because it allows me to wake up without having to search for what I plan to wear for myself, which also puts me behind in getting my son ready. I have also found that when I do not get my son’s outfits together the night before, I struggle to find the very thing he needs to wear (based on the weather). This way you spend your time in the morning scavenging your house for their coat or socks, instead of spending time with your kiddo.
2. get up at least 30 minutes before your kids
Waking up earlier than the kids gives you time to establish your own peace before you have to switch into mom mode. Take this time to enjoy your favorite morning beverage, write in your journal, or pray. I find when I don’t take time to myself before getting Kai ready, my day doesn’t go as smoothly. I especially find that praying in the morning, before starting my day lifts my spirits. Try even taking some time to state things that you are grateful for, as they are likely to put you in a better headspace.
3. prep breakfast before waking your kids
Since Kai eats breakfast a daycare, I typically only serve him a bottle of milk before he leaves. However, if Kai is home with me and has the desire to eat in the morning, I sometimes prep clementines the night before and just feed them to him in the morning. This step doesn’t save me a lot of time, but I will clean his bottle, and pre-pour milk so that I can just remove it from the fridge in the morning. This also may mean taking out the cereal and pre pouring it into a bowl for your children. The key is just doing this before your kids wake up. I find if Kai wakes up before I’m finished prepping, that I am likely to forget something because mom brain takes over.
4. build in time to connect with your kids
It’s so easy to get caught up in making sure that things can get done, that you miss out on the most essential thing, connecting with your child. I typically wake up 45 minutes before, so that I can spend time just existing with him, without a set plan. Once I take Kai out of his crib, I spend an extra few minutes holding him close to me. If I have additional time allotted, I will also spend time reading him a book as well. In whatever way you choose to spend your time, every second that you choose to create a connection with your child is well spent.
5. make your morning routines fun
It feels like less of a chore when you find ways to have fun with it. I love to add in songs, as they not only lift my son’s mood but mine as well. When I wake him up, I have a song that I sing to him as I remove him from his crib and I believe he associates it with the start of a new day. He will often smile as well when I start to sing it. There is also a tune that I sing when I am brushing his teeth. Although he hates me getting anywhere close to his teeth, it helps to provide a distraction for him.
Although these tips are simple, they can really make a difference in how your day goes. You are likely to be already doing some of these things on your own. Even if you are not at the moment, they are certainly easy to add to your routine. If you happen to have any tips for your fellow moms, please do not hesitate to leave them down below.
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XOXO,
The Imperfect Woman
These are really good tips. Even stay at home moms can benefit from this post. I wake up earlier than Atlas and I try to get breakfast going. I need to start getting our clothes ready too
Such great tips Caressa! I especially love the “Wake up before your kid to set the pace” We definitely have a routine in the morning because Carter finds the most comfort and stability in structure so his morning routine is down, BUT LAWD when he’s up before me… it’s a rushed/frantic morning.
These are some great tips Caressa! I will definitely be implementing them. ❤️
This post resonated with me so much on this journey of motherhood! Often times people will ask how do you do it. I can honestly say that each of your tips and a few additional ones have been my saving grace. Thanks for sharing Caressa! Hopefully more mother’s will realize the difference that having a consistent routine can make in their life.
Love these tips Caressa! I always make sure to get up before my son does. It definitely helps me out with doing what I need to do as well as have some alone time.
Caressa these were some amazing tips. I have been doing a few of them since my oldest son started daycare a few years ago. I’m still struggling to wake up 30 minutes before him. Being at home for virtual learning has been a huge factor. Yet, I intend on working on it more! I appreciate these tips!