How to Create a Morning Routine for Busy Moms

School is in full swing and instead of feeling frazzled I am feeling fully in control and on top of things.  I thrive on routine and the school year has given me the motivation to tighten up my morning routine even more.

When I was growing up, our mornings were always crazy.  We were always rushing out the door, generally a bit late and it was just hectic.

I literally cannot handle that.  I need organization and structure and so do my kids.

I wrote a post last year about Why you should not wake up before your kids and I still 100% agree with this.  However, when the school year is in full swing you really do need to get up at a reasonable time to get your life in order.

Now I am still NOT waking up before my kids to accomplish my tasks in the morning.  If I’m up, they are up.  I just like to make sure that we all get up early enough to be fully awake, fed, dressed and in a good mood before we leave the house.  That good mood check box takes a bit longer for some of my family members then it does others!

This AM housekeeping routine is really just a separation of part of the original Weekly Cleaning Routine that allows you to have a clean home in just an hour per day!  You can grab a copy of this at the bottom of the post! However, I wanted to break it down so you know exactly which tasks should be done before you head out the door.

This schedule also relies on you having accomplished the PM part of your routine the night before.  If you forget to clean the kitchen the night before you will be walking into a dirty kitchen the next morning with will throw everything off-balance.

How to Create an Evening Routine for Tired and Anxious Mamas

How to Create a Morning Routine

 

Where to Start?

First, Decide on a wake-up time

You need to decide how much time you want to give yourself each morning to get everything done.  I give myself one hour.  We are out of the bed at 7 and out the door at 8.

You may need more or less depending on your family situation.

Finalize a routine.

Your schedule of events may also look different from mine in this area as well.  Each routine should contain the same elements but the order will vary.

For example, I have a 2 and 4-year-old who are not the cleanest eaters.  If I get them dressed before breakfast there is an 80% chance of me having to change their clothes for the 2nd time and who wants to do that?  If you have older kids this might not be a problem.

Also, I like to get dressed before I have my morning coffee, but after I have completed my chores.  Maybe you are the kind of person who needs that morning coffee before you can even function.  Totally fine!

What should be included in your morning schedule?

First, Feed yourself and your kids!

I hope this one is obvious but if not, please take a few min and feed yourself too!  You cannot and should not run on coffee only!

Also, try not to stick to the basic cereal or pop tarts routine.  There are more nutritious and still just as easy ways to feed your kids each day.

Easy Breakfast Meal Plan from Basic Pantry Staples

Second, Dress yourself and your kids!

Yes, your kids will for sure be dressed when going to school but make sure you are getting dressed too.  Even if you are just dropping someone off at the front of the school, PUT SOME CLOTHES ON.

Why you NEED to get dressed Every Day

Third, Housekeeping!

Your house should be pretty clean from the night before.  GO ahead and empty the dishwasher and load the breakfast dishes.

Make all the beds.

Throw in a load of laundry.

See if your daily task can be started now.  For example, on Mondays, one of the tasks is to wash bed linens.   No, I can’t get all that done in my one hour BUT I can get all the beds stripped and one load, maybe even a second load started before I leave.

Fourth, Daily Schedule Creation!

This is IMPORTANT.  Take 5 min and look at your planner and see what you have going on.  Add any errands you need to run or things you might need to pick up while you are out.

When you know your schedule before you even leave the house you are less likely to forget things.

Lastly, Lunch, Snacks, Drinks, Backpack

You want to make sure that your kids have everything they need before stepping out the door.

I like to do a backpack check the night before too just to make sure there isn’t anything I need to sign and return.  Also gives me a chance to remove anything weird from my daughters’ backpack.  Pinecones and rocks are usually what I find!

See?  A morning routine is totally doable right?

No need to be a hot mess running out the door in cat slippers, no bra, and messy hair every morning.  Being organized and in control just takes a little planning and willpower.

Wake up on time, follow your schedule and stick to it!  Using this morning routine will have your AMs running smoothly in no time!  Don’t forget to grab a copy of the Weekly Cleaning Routine below!