Time Saving Tips From a Working Mom – Morning time!
I am the mother of a toddler with another little one on the way, and a full time job that I love! I also, really like to be ON TIME, but with a toddler, sometimes that is just impossible! So here are some time saving tips that can help you get out the door in the morning, on time and unflustered! I cannot guarantee you that you will always make it – I didn’t succeed yesterday – but remember every day is a new day and a new chance to make being on time for you and your little ones a great new habit!
1. Plan what you are wearing the night before – For both of you!
My three year old is much less likely to fight me on what she is wearing if SHE picked it out the night before, and I save those 5 minutes of staring at my closet, or sorting through my jewelry box, looking for the sweater I thought was clean and the earrings I know will be great, if only I can find them!
2. Food Prep Early
Have your lunches packed and in the fridge the night before. And the same goes for breakfast! Having the table set with cereal, fruit, bowls, and utensils will save you time in the morning, so all you have to do is pull the milk and your lunch from the fridge at the same time. Food is ready!
3. Build in a buffer
This morning we had a shoe melt-down. Suddenly the shoes that were approved last night, were not to be tolerated this morning! Giving yourself an extra 10 or 15 minutes will make you calmer and more able to deal with the sudden hysterics, and save you from the stress of, “Oh no, I am going to be late again!” Even 5 minutes can relieve the panic you feel coming on and you will have a much more productive day if you can start it off in the right way!
And finally, don’t sweat it if everything falls apart. Sometimes things just happen and no amount of prior planning could have prevented your awful morning. So smile and move on – things have a great chance to go better tomorrow!