Tuesday, April 28th 2009
I was never a morning person. For that, I blame my mother. She used to wake me up for school by tickling. It was horrifying way to start the day and in all honesty, we’re both lucky no one lost any permanent teeth during those formative years.
Now that I’m a mom, I try and start the mornings off on a more uplifting and peaceful note each day. Well, at least I do with my 9 year old. My 14 year old has graduated to an alarm clock because, curiously, she seems to have a lack of positive energy emanating from her room at that time of day. Something along the lines of teen angst has come to take its place. *sigh* But back to my 9 year old who still believes in rainbows and puffy hearts and sunshine. Every morning I go in to my 9 year old’s room, rub her back and tell her about one happy thing that she has in store for herself that day or in the very near future.
“Wake up sweetie. Today, you have your field trip to Jamestown.”
Or…
“Time to wake up, honey. Today is your last day of school before Spring Break.”
You get the idea. And she gets up – usually with a smile.
By then, of course, I have already drained 2 cups of coffee, fed 4 animals, gotten dressed, answered emails, packed book bags and snacks, unloaded the dishwasher, started a load of laundry and updated my facebook status. I’m fully awake. I have to be. We have one hour – ONE HOUR, PEOPLE – from the time my sleeping beauties wake up at 6:45 am to the time the bus stops at end of our street. Keeping to a schedule is beyond crucial.
My kids are totally different at this stage in their lives. The older one doesn’t come down until the very last minute but she is totally primped and ready to go but with barely any time for breakfast. My younger one, on the other hand, throws on the first outfit she can find and scurries downstairs with snarly hair clamoring for the same breakfast she asks for every day – scrambled eggs with cheese.
Inevitably, and even though I think I have our mornings down to a science, something usually goes wrong that requires us to fly out of the house, down the road and sometimes, yes, even chase the bus. That something could be anything – a cat that needs rubbing, a missing shoe, a bad wardrobe day, a forgotten backpack or anything else for that matter. So what I keep a keen eye out for is anything, product or method, that will make our mornings run just a bit more smoothly.
Capri Sun Sunrise is the new, wholesome morning drink
for kids chock full of Vitamin C and calcium.- A good source of calcium
- 100% Daily Value Vitamin C
- The pouch kids love
When BlogHer asked me if I’d be interested in doing a product review on the Capri Sun Sunrise product line, I said heck yes. My daughters already love their juice pouches so I knew that introducing them to some that they could drink for breakfast would not only make them happy but it would save us just a little precious time. And as I said, all we ever need in the morning are just a few more minutes.
My 9 year old loved trying out the new juice pouches. She loved them
so much she tried them both before her sister came down to join her.
Notice that one girl has her hair brushed and one does not. Luckily, both girls were so excited to gulp down the Capri Sun Sunrise juice pouches that breakfast was speedy and without quarreling. The experience left me thinking that this stuff may indeed be miracle juice.
With one successful morning under our collective belt, I feel like we could be on a roll. Or at least I’d like to be. Here’s where you come in and where you can win mad money for your wisdom:
The Contest: Help Make Every Day Better To enter, leave a comment sharing your own personal tips on keeping a busy family’s morning on track. What’s the one key ingredient for success in your morning routine? Or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin on 4/29/09 and end on 7/8/09. **Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.
The Rules *Official contest dates: 4/29/09 through 7/8/09
*The prize: $250 VISA Gift Card
* No duplicate comments.
* You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
* You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
* This giveaway is open to US residents, over the age of 18.
* Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
* You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
* IMPORTANT – there are 7 other chances to win!: Click here to enter all of the review contests.
Link to Official Rules
The Contest: For The Chance To Win A $250 Visa Gift Card
And Help Make Every Day Better
To enter, leave a comment sharing your own personal tips on keeping a busy family’s morning on track. What’s the one key ingredient for success in your morning routine? Or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. The contest will begin on 4/29/09 and end on 7/8/09. **Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.
Share it:
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
I ♥ Rebecca, Erin Walsh, Larry H., Joanne Schultz, Jan, Dan, Mariana, Greg, JMom, David Barnett, Joanna Smith, Maureen, HSB Suzanne, Lisa S, Betty rood, Dillon, Chelsea, Kim, She, Lindsay, Carmen, Geoff K, Amy L, Patricia C, Tracy W, Chrysa, Tammy, Meredith, Carolyn G, Elizabeth N., Thatgirlblogs, Leslie, Estella miller, Cindy Choyke, Palms, Bonnie Day, Alka, Crystal F, Christi, Ktanjatk, GENEVIEVE WARREN, Stefanie Hartman, Jennifer M, Melissa, Beth, Raelena, Shel, Debra F, Sadiana!, Draven, Indigo, Laura S, Sondra, Catharine R, Mary, Shellie @Military_Mom, Gena, Kim Kihega, Joanna Price, Carol, Ravzie, Diane, Amanda, Rebecca, Helen, Becky, Icefairy, Liz, Janet F, ShootingStarsMag, Kelly Ann T., Ashley W., Jacob LaFountaine, Jennifer miller, Tung ton, Just Me, Sandy, Djp, Jennifer Vergin, Vickie, Bambi, Amy Zachek, Noelle d, Vanessa, Kiki, Pat, Kyle, Jacob, Jayne, Cathi rushing, Joannie, Denise B., Robin Farnsworth, Alicia Webster, Sylvie W., Heidi Gail, David W Hawkins, Amber G, Mike anderson, Scarlette, Pamela Callahan, Merle, Sharon Harmon, Marcia Goss, Ralph mcgahagin, Susan Ryberg, Scott, David Leavitt, Cindy Merrill, Dana, Allan, Theresa, Stephanie fuller, Jeff clough, Whitney Hansen, Khrys, Patricia Treskovich, Artistic baker, Phillip stacy, M.A., Tammy Pereira, Shawnna, Tamara B., Jay F., Carla T, Jennifer, Ms. Latina, Peggy Gorman, Angie, Jen, CaseyDeuce, Leslie M., Michelle, Jeanine B., Linda, Mel, Naddez, Jennifer McKay, REBECCA CHAVEZ, Sherri, Lynda C, Jessica Miller, Joy, Cujo, Renee T, OlyveOyl, Kimberly Pruitt, Sean, Melinda, Amy from Occupation: Mommy, David, Doreen, Dree, Kathy Luman, Jessica, Karen S, Samantha jo campen, JoeyfromSC, Karen, Ashley, Betty, Eric Breunig, Deci Worland, Sandra, Claudia M, Stacey M, Kayte CookWatts, Gail Crawford, Random, Heather, Deanna, Amity JohnsonVetere, Mitchell, Kathy, Deborah R, Becky, April, April, Janice Wright, Sarah Hirsch, Vilma, Debi welbon, Susan C, Barbara Wright, Elizabeth Johnson, Whippetmom, Shelley Mitchell, Simone, Scottsgal, Angela C, Courtney S, Susan B, Christopher h, Joan, Kim, Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality, Marianna, Holly B, Dawn, Linda Lansford, Sarah h, Steven Weatherby, Miaelkaye, Kirsten, Bobbie combs, Catherine, Deborah Wellenstein, Chris, Debbie, Tracy davis, Carol V., Sonya Sparks, Tracey, Michael Kuntz, Janna Johnson, Tarah, Monique Rizzo, Quiltingreader, Marian Barton, Christine, Jennifer W., Scott V, Rosey, Diana, Cynthya, Lisa L, Elizabeth p, Valerie mabrey, MaryAnn, Theresa Shafer, Emilie S, Sascha, Carrie, Rita A, Sue, Stephanie V, Janice Whitaker, Jean F, Cathiem, Lisa, Angela J, Rose, Julie Lawrence, Mary M, Patrice P., Cynthia C, Denyse, Carol G, Page R, Jennifer B., Denise, Kate, Linda, Michael Oelrich, Elena, Sharon B, Erica C., Harriett D., Ted McDonald, Laura, Joe Spatafora, Sandra K321, Mitch, PATRIC KRUEGER, Marcia, Susan Lee, Mary, Linda Fish, Karen, Jenn S., Larry, 216amyc, Chris swan, Linda J., Heather S, Andrea D, Margaret Smith, Tari Lawson, Nadine L, Adrienne Gordon, Linda, Marilyn Wons, MRS.MOMMYY, Kathryn B., Autumn H., Heather E, Sue, Lauri, Rene leer, Becky, Michelle rosborough, Donna Holmberg, Tanya Anna Wilson, Vickie Bartlett, Janet Carpenter, Dana, Kirida, Jennifer, Lori, Joy Shepard, Holly, Shanie, Lynn collver, Danielle, Denise, Wendy wallach, Barbara Platt, Amber L., Robert, Suburbanstepmom, Bitsy Parker, Betty N, Laura E, Kate, Tina Sylvester, Angie, Feminist Review, The Mom Nerd, Amber, Courtenay, Gertie, Ladybug Crossing, DEBIJOT, Naomi, Jill W, Denise, Christine, PunditMom, Deb, Rachael, Judy brittle, Kathy, Cheryl W, Chrissy, Angie, CanCan (Mom Most Traveled), Debbie Havens, Danielle, Robin, Tracy Grogg, Catnip, Rhonda Mason, Rusti, Dionne, Kristy, Amy in OHio, Jenn Heyns, Jennifer, Workout mommy, Annie, Devan, Anna Marie, and Meg.
Our key to success is teamwork and cooperation. My husband and I play zone defense with three boys, so it takes both of us working together to get them up and around, get lunches packed, medicines ingested, trumpets remembered, etc.
This morning my 4 year old said, GO AWAY! Old beyond his years, I tell ya.
I don’t bother showering before the kids are up and my oldest is at school. Yeah, I’m THAT mom that is lucky to have clothes instead of pajamas on at school dropoff.
I have to shower before the girls wake-up or it is ALWAYS a train wreck. Having that 30-45 minutes without little ones up is soooooooo necessary. Also…COFFEE.
Here’s my tweet! https://twitter.com/devgray/status/1643035190
Hope you are well!
Coffee!!! Then, bath. Don’t speak to me until after -
Here’s my tweet: did I do it right?
http://twitter.com/annie_hate/favourites
we definitely need some miracle juice around here, I will have to check it out!
As for our morning routine, the thing that works best for me is to keep my hubby out of it! He travels most of the time, so he is out of the loop and doesn’t understand the routine. He tries to help, but ends up being more of a nuisance than anything else. He also has no concept of time and thinks that allotting 15 minutes to get two small children dressed, fed, and out of the door is completely acceptable!
Mom Blogs – Blogs for Moms…
…
I’ve found that it’s easier when I wake up just 5 minutes before anyone else. It lets me kind of get coffee started and wake up before everyone else is getting up!
I’m not sure we’ve gotten the whole “smooth morning” thing down yet, but I do find that giving them 10 and 5-minute warnings for when we need to head out the door helps them pack all those last-minute tasks in that time instead of AFTER I tell them it’s time to go!
One key ingredient? NOT HITTING THE SNOOZE BAR.
I’ll let you know how it turns out if I ever actually get up on the first alarm!! LOL
[...] I’m having another contest on my review blog. Click here to read how you could win a $250 Visa gift card. Share it: If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed! [...]
Not sure if I can take any credit (or should for that matter) but we are teaching “the Boy” to make the coffee so it’s ready-it was all Daddy’s idea though
! Scary Scary times…especially if you have to be the one to drink it!
I’m 19 years into the whole process and have been both a working away from home mom and an at home mom. For our 3 (diff schools/start times) what works best is pre-planning the night before: everyones things packed by the front door, laying out clothes (even shoes/socks), and all lunch snacks/juice packed before bed – even breakfast supplies ready: a pan on the stove with a spatula and can of P*m, a bowl-fork-cup-napkin alongside the stove.
In the event of a missed alarm, kids can be shoved into their clothes, be eating with one hand and have their bags thrown into their other hand as they run out the door. Sometimes this means ME staying up late to do a final load of laundry or making a 10pm run to the corner market for juice, but nearly every single time I’ve failed at enforcing the pre-plan, we are late, grumpy, and kids get sent off hungry and unhugged.. and no-one has a peaceful morning that day.
So right now I only have a 4 month old and myself to get ready in the mornings (plus letting the dog outside and feeding him before we leave) but I find that packing Emma’s diaper bag and her cooler with milk the night before REALLY improves us getting out of the house in the mornings!! Also – in order to get something nutritious in me as well as save time, I’ve been drinking those little DanActive probiotic “shots” and take my bagels & cream cheese on the road
Mornings are so hard with slow pokey eaters! we need more portable food that they can grab and go! Somehow a baggie of dry cereal doesn’t seem right!
hondaray6 at hotmail dot com
I follow on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/hondaray6/status/1652710532
The biggest key for us is to get up earlier than we need to. This gives us all a chance to wake up and have a leisurely breakfast before we head out the door. No stress!
To make our mornings run slowly – I get up about a half hour early, after the alarm clock goes off a few times, have my shower and dressed, Then I go into Hunters room and turn the light on and kiss him good morning. He gets up happy and well rested and ready to hit the road to school. We talk about what the day lies ahead, baseball practice or karate and let him know my schedule or who will be picking him up from school or if he will br riding the bus.
The night before, we have our clothes out and ready to go. I have the breakfast lunches packed and the backpack ready and waiting.
Hunter comes downstairs after making his bed ofcourse, and then off to daycare, and kiss him good-bye and tell him to have a great day and that I love him.
This is going to sound horrible, but we need to leave the house at 7:15. Bakugan comes on at 6:30 and is my son’s favorite show, toy, etc right now. So, at 6:30 I wake him up to watch it in my bed and take my shower. He knows that half way through, at the commercial he is supposed to get dressed and move downstairs to finish watching it while eating at the kitchen table. So, when I come out of my shower, he should be downstairs. And the motivation get moving on the commercial break is that he’ll get to watch the show the next morning if we leave on time.
Not my finest parenting advice, but it certainly works for us right now!
In the morning one thing is a must- Eat a healthy breakfast! People overlook the importance of the most important meal of the day! Breakfast really gives you the fuel to face the day ahead!
I found the best way to start our day without me becoming the crazy mom is to have the boys get up way way early. The 13 year old needs lots of time, he’s up by 5:30, the 9 yr. old, not as much, 5:45 and the 17 yr old is on his own, getting up at 6:30. We all need to leave by 7:00 a.m. and this combo works for us. For now, anyway. The guys are always changing things up on me.
What were your morning rituals when you were a kid? When I was a kid I got myself ready (dressed, etc.) then ate breakfast, usually cold cereal and OJ and a multivitamin. I pretty much have the same routine now, except my mom doesn’t pour my cereal anymore.
What cool or wacky things did your parents do as you headed out into the world?
I don’t know if it was “cool” but I think it was a great idea that my mom gave me my own (Snoopy) alarm clock when I was 6. I was always responsible for my own getting up. I think that instilled some good life skills in me!
What do you do to start your family’s day off right?
I keep the TV turned off and try to make sure my kids have time to play before we head out the door to school. They always whine that they want more time to play, so the TV needs to stay off!
onlycancan ta hotmail tod com
The key for my house has always been having everything ready the night before. I have always encouraged my girls to choose what they will wear before they settle for the night. It is laid out with all accessories so that even if we over slept there would be no hunting for anything. Bookbag is packed and ready, notes written, viola case ready to go. As far as the Caprisun pounches – they have always been a part of our routine as well. School days can be long and my youngest DD has always had a drink pounch in her backpack for school. I have a 3yr old who quickly climb on board the caprisun train as well. He has a juice pounch and snack every afternoon. Break the routine or run out of juice pounches and it is one very long grumpy (read tear filled) afternoon. I know when I go to Costco I won’t be walking out with a full case of eachof those yellow and blue boxes.
I am forced to get up super early to ensure that I have everything in place for when they get up. We leave so early and I am always late for work even on a good day so timing is critical. I let my kids sleep till the last minute but they still get up pretty early. The guilt of getting them up so early kills me sometimes. I am forced to fight both my 3 and 6 year old into their clothes and usually am brushing their teeth while they are crying. Then I am forced to feed them whatever packaged breakfast food I can find. I was once adminished for giving my kids cereal straws. I usually alway pack a fruit and one of those organic Horizon milk boxes. They also get their gummy vitamins too. We eat in the car out of a plastic bag. Pathetic, right? Please don’t call social services.
The trick to making mornings work here is to have a set schedule and stick to it. Always get up at the same time, follow a routine. For example, get up, eat breakfast, brush teeth, get dressed, watch a happy calming tv show for a little while, then off to school or work. Thanks!
showers are always a good first start to waking up, also our golden retriever jumps on their beds to wake them. It’s hard to get mad at a dog who is full of love for only you.
I learned to wake my grandkids at different times. It has really helped from all the fighting and arguing. My grandson gets dressed and while he’s having his breakfast I wake my granddaughter up.
I follow on Twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/1660276077
The key for me for days we’re going out of the house is to get Sam dressed first, before any cartoons or breakfast. That way when he’s ready I can get him his breakfast, put on a cartoon and get ready myself, and by the time I’m ready to leave he’s eaten some and we’re all ready to go!
Getting as much ready and lined up the night before as possible. It’s the only way my sleepy teens get out the door.
My key ingredient is to stay calm. Even if we’re running late and I have the sense we’re not going to get to school on time, if I show that I’m about to lose my cool, my daughter loses hers and then all best are off.
I don’t succeed every morning, but I do my best!
Getting-ready-in-the-morning craziness is one reason to be happy when my parents are visiting–I don’t need to get myself dressed since they like bringing my kids to school
.
To speed things up, pack lunches the night before. Plan out outfits as well and lay them out so you don’t have to fumble through dressers and waste time!
My daughter is only 2, so there is no rushing around yet. I get up for work, get ready, and am lucky if she is awake by the time I leave. She still drinks a bottle in the morning, so that’s about all I have to do even if she is awake-make her bottle. Now, when she gets older, I’m sure it will be a different story, but my husband is a realtor & is always home with her ni the mornings-so I consider myself very lucky! thanks!
tweet tweet, thanks! http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/1663477616
Blogged here: http://tinyurl.com/c4e7r7
thanks!
Deciding I absolutely don’t care what I look like in the morning and that what my five year old looks like isn’t necessarily a reflection on my parenting style has made my life MUCH easier… I used to freak out if her hair didn’t get brushed before we left for school but now I realize that all of them have their bad days. And at least my kid isn’t the one coming to school in a full superhero costume…
[...] I got all of these cool shots to share with you. It is a fox, right? Don’t forget to enter to win a $250 Visa Gift Card! Share it: If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed! [...]
The kids get up by themselves every morning. Their clothes have been laid out the night before, and the table set for breakfast. That way I can have coffee and get their breakfast while they get ready.
The key to the morning is ROUTINE.
We never ever deviate from the routine – get up – same time every morning, get dressed, eat (Sometimes they eat eggs. Sometimes they eat hash browns. Sometimes they eat cake. Sometimes they eat roast beef sandwiches. Mostly, I don’t care what they eat as long as they eat something and have a glass of juice or milk with a vitamin chaser.) Then – brush teeth/hair, get books, get lunch lunch, get instrument, get in car and get on the bus.
YMMV
LBC
What’s the one key ingredient for success in your morning routine? Letting everyone in my household know the “routine”. If they don’t know it, how can they follow it?
Here’s my tweet:
http://twitter.com/courtenay27/status/1672757039
Thanks!
One thing that helps us is to prepack portioned lunches on Sunday. Portion out fruits, snacks or whatever and put it in bags in the fridge or pantry to make it quicker each morning. you just need to make sandwiches or something and not pack the entire lunch.
Thanks!
Hello and Good Morning! I think this is a great idea for breakfast for the kids! They will enjoy it more than me nagging at them to finish their orange juice! They will also be nice to take to the bustop in the morning as well. Great way to get vitamin C. My kids always eat and love celery with peanut butter and raisins. But the best breakfast is yogurt on one half of a plate and applesauce on the other half of the plate. My one daughter mixes the two together and loves it, the other one eats them seperate. But there is something about that mixure that is enticing to children.
Amber
crystalclearbc@aol.com
LOL, my Mom always used to tickle me awake too! And I’m not a morning person either! Although she would sing to me too! Now I do that to my own boys!! I wish I had tips for mornings but mine are very un “routine”. OH, my tip,…..keep trying!
Everyone’s got to work together! Perhaps staggering the times that different people have access to the bathroom might help to keep people on time.
infoATfeministreviewDOTorg
Preparation and planning are the key to our mornings running smoothly around here. I have set up a spot in the pantry where the kids can grab quick breakfasts. Fruit, granola bites, baggies of cereal, puddings…anything they can eat quick. I also have set up a routine for when they get home from school..everything goes into an ‘in’ box. Papers to be signed, to look at, homework…I go through everything before I go to bed and return things to bookbags. They have also gotten used to planning out their week of clothes by hanging outfits together on a hanger. That way, they can still choose on a whim..but the outfits are assembled already so they don’t need my help. Finally, I set the oven timer 10 minutes before it’s time to go..so they have warning to get it all together. It has worked out pretty well for us! Hope that any of this inspires or helps you!
the best advice I can give on how to have a smooth morning with children is to get as much done the night before lunches,clothing,ect. :
tinasly2008@yahoo.com:
follow on twitter and tweeted contest
http://twitter.com/tinasly
I try to prepare the night before. Get the bookbags, lunches, clothes all ready for the morning. Then we get dressed after breakfast, so our school clothes don’t get messy. This is what works for us!
Thanks so much for this opportunity. What my family and I do is get everything that we can ready the night before. I get all of there clothes laid out, lunches packed, and as much breakfast items ready the night before. I also get all my clothes and coffee ready to make before I go to bed. It really helps and makes the morning a lot less chaotic!
I don’t have a blog to get those extra entries but here is my email:
jasminere@frontiernet.net
When raising my children, what helped most was that I got up an hour before the rest of my family. I had a quiet breakfast, packed lunches and made the family breakfast. My boys were not hard to get up and going…
Lay and Lie
I lay, not lie, in bed while my husband makes the coffee.
I lie to my children that it’s time to get up when in actuality it’s 15 minutes before time for them to get up.
I have my children lay out their clothes the night before.
Prepare as much as you can the night before. That means clothes laid out, lunches packed, schoolbags by the door, and breakfast bowls set on the table.
School starts for all 4 at 7am so we are up at 5 at the latest. Preparing everything the night before always helps to stay out of time crunches in the morning.
I’s say to get as much done the night before so there is less to do in the morning and not sleeping in no matter how tempting.
appetizerforacraftymind(at)yahoo(dot)com
The key ingredient for success in my morning routine is night time prep. Setting out what I need for breakfast, setting the coffee pot timer, laying out clothes – all of those things that save a.m. time.
http://twitter.com/blp3/status/1736090580
tweet
blp3
the key to success in my house is the use of charts posted on the bathroom door that my dughter uses to check off that she took her medicine and did certain morning activities. Beats me having to yell it every three minutes to remind her.
madamerkf at aol dot com
I guess as long as we keep to the routine, we do OK in the morning, but we’re not in school yet, so that will change. I also try to have things done the night before if we have to be somewhere on time.
I find it easiest to get everything together the night before. Get the clothes laid out, pack the bags, and set the table all before bed.
Mornings are always best started by the nite before routine of getting ready.
Turning OFF the TV helps the kids focus on their needs to be met . Sure they want to watch TV but in our house the rule has always been “if you’re ready 15 min.early then by golly you’ve won the prize of watching your TV for that extra 15 min.
It’s a choice they can make. BUT only if they’ve their backpack at the door,shoes on,coat/mittens,etc.ready to rocknroll !
Sometimes last minute test study is done by one of the kids asking questions and the other answering on the way to school.
Whatever it takes.
Taking the bus is something they have to do at an ungodly hour of the morning so we’ve always given a lot of grace and taken them when we can since we’ve owned our own business.
Motivation such as “we can eat off the dollar menu at Hardy’s or McDonalds if you all are ready by 7″ can make everyone hustle!
And making sure they NEVER KNOW when you’re going to say that!
Bribery? You betcha!
This seasoned mom of 6 knows how to make things happen lol.
I have a check list on my fridge that my kids go by………it makes the mornings run pretty smooth
My issues are getting people awake enough to eat and get dressed. I know I won’t have much time so I get everything ready ahead of time. My morning routine tip is to put breakfast together, if you like things more complicated than toast, the night before. Mix the waffle batter/cut the fruit/whatever. Also set out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
I don’t have too many problems getting my family out of bed. I wake them up singing and leave the light on in their rooms until they walk out (usually doesn’t take long). I try to have breakfast ready and waiting for them when they wonder in. I also have their outfits ready and sitting out for them (get together while they are eating).
Letting the toddler help me make his breakfast, makes him eat right away which cuts down on in procrastination on his part
I like to have pancake batter already made up so that I can just mix and pour.
I find my morning is much easier if I make sure my lunch is packed the night before. This is what always seems to slow me down in the morning.
I work full-time and so the one thing is to have my clothes ready to go and to have my hair straightened the night before, so the huge obstacles–what to wear and how am i going to control my jungle hair–are already taken care of so I can can focus on my three-year-old and giving him something other than dino-shaped nuggets for breakfast.
To keep my son on track, and minimize the nagging to get morning chores done, we have created a morning ‘to-do’ list, and he loves checking off his chores as he completes them!
My daughter is three and doesn’t go to school yet, so we have a pretty leisurely routine – I am so lucky.
We get up about eight and go down for breakfast. Most days we have cold cereal, but sometimes oatmeal or eggs.
Then we head back upstairs to get dressed for the day.
We love to sing Good Morning – the song from Singin’ in the Rain or Wake Up, Wake Up from Lazytown.
mayacarpenter at verizon dot net
I blogged at http://www.giveawaysonblogs.blogspot.com/2009/05/saturday0523.html
I tweeted here http://twitter.com/janetmom2maya/status/1900991794
my entry is at the bottom of this post http://vickieb52.blogspot.com/2009/05/win-250-visa.html
I blogged about the giveaway here http://vickieb52.blogspot.com/2009/05/win-250-visa.html
tweet http://twitter.com/vlbsweeps/status/1901083396
My morning routine starts about 45 minutes before my 5 school aged children awaken.I make my coffee, “find my groove” and set the dinette up for an anything-goes breakfast, complete with glasses for milk/OJ and their flintstones vitamins marking the place settings.As a rule, clothing (including all underclothes) have been approved and laid out the night before. The lunches and backpacks,school supplies, and shoes have also been prepared the night before. Doing this really saves time in my house because once my kids are up, mornings are crazy! Something always goes awry!
I am following you on twitter, user name Twincere, and I tweeted
about this review & contest here:
http://twitter.com/Twincere/status/1908584372
I blogged about the giveaway here:
http://twinceretwinkles.blogspot.com/2009/05/8-bloghers-are-giving-you-chance-to-win.html
I get my daughter to shower at night then pull her hair into a ponytail so she doesn’t need 2 hours to do her hair in the morning. Plus, I keep a supply of Capri Sun drinks in the freezer ready to be used as ice packs in their lunch. It will keep the food cold and by lunchtime will be either completely thawed but still cold, or just a little bit slushy, which children love.
I’ve also discovered that Capri Sun has enough sugar in it to prevent it from freezing into a solid, unbrreakable block, so I just freeze the packets overnight. The next morning I simply smack 2 frozen packages on the edge of the counter a couple times before cutting open the bottoms of the packages and dumping them into the blender on top of two chopped up bananas or a cup of berries of some kind and one package of plain yoghurt then hit the crush button. In less than 2 minutes I have 2 healthy breakfast smoothies that I pour into plastic ziploc bags, insert a straw into it. My kids drink them at the bus stop, then fold the straw in half and put it in the ziploc bag before sealing it up. Breakfast is done, the trash is contained, and they’re ready for a full day of school.
one6ylady(at)aol(dot)com
Pick out clothes the night before
What works best for us is to not allow too much extra time. Kids get distracted and it gets crazy. So we leave only a minimum amount of time and everyone rushes and stays focus!
I am pretty bleerly eyed in the morning, so I need all the prepration i can to just automatically get going in the morning. Soi plan the morning meal the night before and sometimes precook what i can so that it is basically grap and go.
Prepare & plan ahead
kids love routine
clothes out the night before so my 4 year old can dress herself
breakfast choices on the counter
sippy cup cleaned out & ready for the drink of the day
It’s all about the team effort at my house. My husband makes breakfast while I put together sandwiches for the boys. One of the boys is in charge of getting juice boxes, applesauce and chips. Each of them get their own lunchbox. Thankfully all of our boys are old enough to get themselves showered and dressed. Everyone’s out the door by 7:35 to school and work and then I can start over with the three year old who is still at home…
Thanks for sharing~
I am not a morning person either. My tip is to prepare the night before. All outfits are laid out (to include shoes). All bags are packed and placed in the car. Lunch prep is done and in the fridge.
what we do to stay on track is have dad do the morning routine =) he’s the early riser, so he gets everyone up and ready for the day!
autumn398 (at) yahoo.com
I always planned ahead. Everything ready the night before. Coffee maker set to start 15 minutes before alarm.
plan the night beofre and always have something to grab when life happens so they can eat on the bustop or in the cafeteria or waiting for the bell to ring.
I organize the night before. I set the breakfast table. I lay out the clothes to be worn for the next day and I have a list made up of things that need to be done the following day.
To keep on track in the morning, we have a routine that we follow daily. Since we only have one bathroom, we follow this order, husband, me, older son, younger son. Clothes are ready the night before, all items are picked up before we leave the house, etc. Makes life a lot easier on me
we let the kids pick out their own clothes and get dressed themselves.
I find if I get everyone up in shifts it runs much smoother. It’s exhausting for me, I end up making breakfast a few times a day, but it saves on the time I would be referree-ing the bathroom time. Each person gets a half hour before the next one is up and needing the shower or sink for brushing their teeth, brushing their hair etc.
iheartsweeping@aol.com
Each of my children are very different so I cater their morning routines to their individual needs.
Wow, I need to use some of these tips. Our mornings are so hectic. One tip to help us better is that I get everyones clothes ready the night before. So, there’s no disagreements on what everyone is going to wear.
Thanks so much.
Routine.. If you stick to it eventually everyone will get into it!
To keep on schedule I set out clothes and make lunch the night before. This way the morning tasks are limited to breakfast and getting dressed. That helps keep us on track.
The secret to a smooth morning around here is NOT hitting the snooze button– repeatedly. You might think “ten more minutes won’t hurt”, but it will.
One thing I found that helps us is to pack the backpacks the night before and set out the clothes to wear. Other than that its chaos.
My key to successfully getting my kids up for the day is to simply make sure they go to bed on time. Not getting enough sleep makes them incorrigible in the morning.
I pack everything the night before. makes the chaos go smoother!
We plan out everything the night before – what to wear, lunches, what to have for breakfast..etc. It takes a lot of stress out of the morning routine.
Wake up early enough so you don’t have to rush.
Taking baths the night before alows for more time in the morning
How do we stay on track – well we have a system. Everyone writes down their schedule for the week and we go over the schedule on Sunday. This way we see who needs the bathroom first, whose car will need to be last in the driveway (believe me, this makes a big difference), and who will be the last out the door so that they can make sure all lights, etc are off.
My most important tip. Hit the snooze ONCE. Then get out of bed.
The alarm clock(s) in our house are the MOST important ‘wake-up routine’….none of us including the adults are early risers so if the power went out during the night and the radios did not wake us up, we are all late! Battery backups necessary.
I’m pretty organized about breakfast. The kids pick from a list on the fridge and I make it for them. I do most of the prep work the night before. For example. For my eggnog French Toast; I soak the bread overnight. So it’s ready for the hot skillet in the morning. Just pull it out of the fridge. Instead of oatmeal I make Polenta and fry it in the morning. Just cut it into squares and serve it with syrup (no sugar) and fresh fruit.
Our key to success is to keep the morning routine unchanged no matter what.
My older son is easier to get up than the other one, so he gets up first and takes a shower and gets ready while the other gets a 5 minute warning so he can wake up slowly and then come down to breakfast (he prefers taking showers at night). Then the older one comes down to eat and the younger one goes up and gets ready.
first ….. strong black coffee
second..strong black coffee
ad nauseam
oh I almost forgot….. last person ready to walk out the door…. loads the dishwaher
for breakfast and dinner… seems to work
The key is always organization. We lay out bowls, spoons and cereal choices the night before, and then just add milk in the morning.
The biggest key here is getting everyone up on time. Sometimes it seems all but me want to sleep in, so far I haven’t had to resort to hosing them down but it’s close.
I don’t like my family to leave in the morning without eating a balanced healthy breakfast, so the the night before, I do many things to streamline the morning so that I am freed up to cook. We lay out clothes, fill backpacks, gather lunch money, and even set the breakfast table. I’m a HUGE believer in breakfast.
Teamwork is the key. Everyone has something they is responsible for. Thanks!
having a breakfast they enjoy is all I usually need…but if I’m out of their favorite cereal…yikes!
I try to wake up a little earlier so there is less of a mad rush. And we plan what we will wear — and lay it out — the night before.
My mornings are generally smooth since we homeschool and rarely have somewhere we have to be in the morning. But if we do have early plans, I make sure that clothing is set out beforehand and there are easy breakfast items available! Thanks for the contest!
In my case it’s cocker spaniels that have to be fed before I can get my day started. You would think that it’s easy but with my guys it’s not always as easy as it ought to be. The trick is to focus on getting them fed without allowing any distractions. Then the day can begin!
Everyone contributes!
We stick to a routine – I get up and get ready then get my boys up and we eat breakfast together in the kitchen. My boys are healthy eaters – my 2 year old has yet to meet a food he doesn’t like. I am lucky – maybe things will change as they get older but for now things are easy and predictable
The most important thing for me in the mornings is to get a head start without the kids awake for awhile. I need the peace and quite!
I have to have the lunch supplies set out the night before so that it goes smoothly. (well not including the perishables of course)
I have to get up earlier than everyone else and have my coffee.
Oddly enough, when my kids were young and going to school, it was never really much of a problem. That was most likely because there were several years between them and only 2 of them, so I can’t claim any major magic in it! Even though they ate breakfast every morning, it was usually cereal and juice, with an occasional foray into leftover pizza. More time intensive breakfasts were for non-school days.
We try to keep mornings on track by getting everything planned the evening before. This doesn’t always work though.
When my kids were still at home, I always had something fast to give them. Whole wheat toast with peanut butter and juice or milk was nutritious and easy.
We decide the night before on the outfits to be worn the next day, and also what breakfast foods will be eaten that day. Everything we need is either brought out or is brought to the front of the closets or kitchen cabinets for quick and easy access.
It doesn’t have anything to do with kids, but my key to success in the morning is setting the timer on the coffee pot the night before. That way, as soon as I stumble into the kitchen, coffee is ready and waiting.
I’m with the previous poster who said coffee and more coffee.. lol
The key to a smooth breakfast is to make sure we all get plenty of sleep the night before, so we’re well rested, and not crabby! Easier said than done!
I think it helps if you set up items like cereal bowls, etc. the night before.
For me what works is having the same routine and sticking with it everyday.
Blogged contest: http://stephie-stephsblog.blogspot.com/
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/samasam/status/1951886739
a good tip is to make lunch the night before.
The key ingredient here is not getting sidetracked by other activities.
Make a plan and stick to it.
key ingredient is time – if have time kids get omelettes, little time = cereal, no time = yo on the go and cereal bar in the car.
tvollowitz at aol dot com
I pack my son’s lunch the night before school. That way I am not rushed getting it ready in the morning.
Have a spot by the door for anything that needs to be brought that day.
tweet http://twitter.com/drala625/status/1953552660
Well, to start I’m lucky in that I’m a morning person (always have been). I try to make sure everything is prepared the night before (a routine picked up from my mom) and hope that my positive morning energy will spread to my family (ha ha).
I have a very disorganized teenaged son, and the one rule we have is that the book bag and swim team bag are to be packed and ready at the front door by bedtime. This saves us from a harried morning of “where is my calculator” and “have you seen my fins?” while I scout for the bus about to turn the corner. It’s saved us much heartache, frustration and limits the calls from school regarding homework left on the desk during a rushed morning.
I’m not a morning person, so I have to have things organized the night before!
emvark at gmail dot com
Tote bags filled with what we need for the morning FILLED the night before. Less stress and you know the night before what is missing and needs to be found right now.
The key for us is getting everything ready the night before. We also get up, moving, and out the door long before we HAVE to, so that if we’re running behind, we’re still ok.
count me in and thanks
I have a launch pad right at the door. It is where their shoes, usually, go at night. This is also the spot for bookbags, purse, keys, etc. We are a hetic family of five. Dh works and attend college as a disabled veteran he is impressive. I work full time, with a commute that does not make me
.
Making sure lights out at a reasonable hour the night before assures at least a decent amount of rest. Morning people we are not at my house. I wake up my son in a positive way but he hates when I start singing…lol
I don’t have any kids, so don’t have advice but I do admire all the Moms and Dads who deal with the morning rush. For myself, I always get everything I can ready the night before and leave enough time so I don’t have to rush.
I wake them up to the smell of yummy pancakes and hot tea with lemon, that always gets them out of bed. thanks.
It’s simple, but it’s so very effective, and once you’ve done it a few times, you will relish it. Get up an hour before everyone else. The hour goes quickly, but it leaves you able to do so many things. It really sets the tone for a peaceful morning.
We try to get the kids to have everything ready the night before. So lunches made and bags are packed. Set out any school work they need to review on the island ready for them to review during breakfast.
We are lucky, I’m a stay-at-home Mom of a 7-month-old daughter and we just go with the flow. When we do have an appointment to go to, I “try” to get everything ready the night before (clothes laid out, diaper bag filled, bottles made).
Get the coffee going before they get up and keep talking to them; I’ve found it gets them moving, and of course a good breakfast. By the time they’re ready to leave the house they’re feeling human, without the coffee. Thank you!
Following you on Twitter and I tweeted http://twitter.com/Tina12312/status/1961612902
thank you!
My kids like taking turns making breakfast. It gives them more control and gives them something to look forward to, as they are “the boss” of the kitchen that morning.
Prepare everything you can the night before.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
No kids yet – but my key to getting up and out on time is to not hit the snooze button a million times. Then I always forget something in my hurry out the door!
Being prepared and organized keeps us moving in the morning!
Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!
Janna Johnson
janna@FeedYourPigBlog.com
jannajanna@hotmail.com
http://www.FeedYourPigBlog.com
#1 TIp…. Wake up on time! No Sleeping IN! ARGH!!!
We always get as much done as we can the night before. On school days he following day’s outfits are picked out the night before, backpacks are ready and by the door.
It doesn’t always help, but we pick out our clothes the night before. Thanks!
In the morning we have to stay on a schedule. I never really realized it is such a tight schedule until something happens to throw us off. So, they always get up at the same time every morning (during the school year), they have so much time to dress & do hair, then be downstairs to eat at a certain time, then teeth brushed and out the door we go. If anything different happens, we are usually late.
Prepare as much as you can the night before. That means clothes laid out, lunches packed, schoolbags by the door, and breakfast bowls set on the table.
I have a “lunch” area where I keep everything needed for packing lunches. Makes it a “one-stop” for the five lunches I make each school day.
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail(dot)com
Our key to success is getting as much as we can ready the night before so that we can get up and get going quickly.
Keeping everything on track in my house is simple-I just get up a half hour earlier, and I don’t allow my boys to talk to each other at breakfast! Thank you!
“key ingredient for success in your morning routine”?? Lololol, surely you jest. I only wish I knew, but honestly I’m terrible at mornings. The best advice I have is pick out your clothes the night before, everything including socks.
I have all the bedroom clocks set 30 mins fast during the school year. When the alarm goes off that gives me enough time to get ready to start the day. I make the lunches at night and have all the clothes out and ready.
When my daughter was younger she loved setting the table the night before with her favorite dishes, cereal, everything but the milk. Now she gets up an hour early to iron her hair. Sigh….what works best for us is eating together and sometimes I make her favorite: Swedish Pancakes. That gets her every time.
I think the key to having a good start in the morning is to prepare for it the night before (going to bed early, pick out clothes, figure out what breakfast will be, etc )
elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/Elkaye/status/1968411712
Getting up before the kids and getting things organized.
Have everything ready the night before
I don’t have kids but I like Capri-Sun
[...] talks about her sweet girls and how the felt about the Capri-Sun Sunrise. [...]
Here’s about the giveaway, and about our mornings. Please don’t hate me when you read it, my toddler still doesn’t sleep. Everything is a compromise in life.
http://room704.us/2009/05/capri-sun-wants-you-to-have-a-better-breakfast/
I don’t have kids but I try to get a nice hot shower in and follow it up with a full breakfast to make my day run great!
A shower – if I immediately hop out of bed into the shower, get bathed and then get fully dressed – our morning runs much smoother. I find that if I linger in my bathrobe or my pajamas we’re more likely to be late to wherever we’re going or to just be lazy and non-productive all day!
Oh, I’d love to win this. No kids at home for me, so I don’t have any exciting tips to share.
Prepare the table and lay out clothing the night before. Also have quick-fix, but healthy breakfast items readily available!
Thinking ahead and prepare what you can the night before will save time and will make it easier to have a breakfast that will be healthy .
we make lunches the night before, just to keep everything moving in the morning
I make sure they have their clothes ready, backpacks with everything they need by the front door and breakfast ready when they come downstairs. If it wasn’t for preplanning, they would miss the bus every day.
I always lay the clothes out the night before but I still struggle with getting the kids up and out of here in the morning. I wish I knew the key to making it easy.
We keep out mornings on track by having everyone helping out. The morning can’t go smoothly unless we each help each other!
We try to get everything organized and sitting out the night before to make mornings less chaotic
I would love to make up some happy story, but my son is only 9 months and he is a ray of sunshine in the morning. I wish I could say the same for myself. I work nights and get off work at midnight. I am rarely in bed before 2am, so 8am for me is difficult – and thats if he sleeps in! Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com
We all love the snooze button so it’s really hectic in the mornings!!
Get everything set out the night before and put the alarm clock away from the bed.
No problems with breakfast now that we are on summer break!
The key ingredient to a successful morning is to have everything possible done the night before. And that includes notes signed, money requests, and anything that needs to get brought in is by the door. Morning comes, everybody eats breakfast while I do the last minute lunch box stuff and we’re out the door.
I get up at the crack of dawn for coffee and “me” time. This way I am in a great mood when the rest of the family gets up.
smchester at gmail dot com
I have to have my cappacino mixed in my coffee and sit in my massage chair in the AM before anything!
There’s definitely a lot of ‘night before’ preparation to make our mornings run smoothly
The main thing to a smooth morning is consistency. We try to go to bed and wake up at the same time on school nights, and then the morning routine is the same each morning. Right now it works well for me because my children start school at different times, so I can get one ready and then the other after. When they go to the same school, hopefully being a little older will make them a little more independent and I won’t have to walk them through everything step by step.
My advice is to be prepared for the morning the night before. Have all the clothing picked out by the child & for that matter yourself too. Have the child’s bookbag & your purse & car keys where you can find them. Know what you will have for breakfast. Just be prepared.
Routine is the key ingredient for keeping my son on track for school mornings. Whether it’s my husband or I getting him ready to go we follow the same routine. Out of bed, wash face, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth and hair, put on shoes, grab backpack and water bottle and GO.
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/April1p/status/2004889199
Getting everything set out the night before and then sticking to a routine.
Short of just straight out waking them up at 5 am..I use tactics such as *if you aren’t ready and miss the school bus you go to bed at 7 and get up at 5 tommorrow.
I’d like to say that it’s just a matter of expectations, but I think the truth is that I’m lucky. I have a rule: no one is allowed to be cranky in the morning. You can be quiet, but not cranky. And I have another rule: you have to be responsible if you want privileges. Everyone in the house follows these rules. Lucky!
Plan, plan, plan. Have your morning routine planned out the day before.
I think involving kids in the morning routine makes them take more ownership. they help with making breakfast, putting away dishes, pick their own clothes out the night before, etc. – obviously everything at age appropriate levels. (freaaa@gmail.com)
You are a great mommy – I too got the tickle-wake and to this day will just about level someone if I am tickled! ha ha
Our mornings here (two girls also) consist of one child in each bathroom washing faces and brushing fangs- otherwise, somehow someone ends up wet and the horsing around ends up with us screeching up to the bus stop in the nick of time (with half a mouth brushed!)
~Amy
no19034770 AT YAHOO DOT COM
Picking the clothes out the night before and carved in stone bedtimes are crucial! For me- I am not allowed to go near my computer until I am showered/dressed. And in the summer months the kids know they need to be dressed and beds made before they come out of their rooms. In the summer we bump bedtimes an extra half hour and in teh mornings I wake up with hubby and do all my computer work before the kids wake up.
A timer on the coffee maker is a must! Then it is ready the moment I come downstairs! And we found that an alarm clock for our older daughter, starting when she was in Kindergarten, was much better than having a parent rouse her. She can’t grouch at the alarm clock in quite the same way she grouched at us! It makes for a more pleasant start to everyone’s day.
A strict routine helps, because it’s understood that no one can deviate much unless there is a really good reason. Charts or lists tend to help everyone understand what needs to be done, so that nothing is accidentally omitted.
In addition, we always try to prepare as much as possible the night before (if you have young kids, this may work better after they are asleep, unless they have chores too). This allows a few delicious moments of sleep in the morning, OR a breathing-space for the inevitable hiccups of a morning routine.
washing the clothes
Laying out clothes the night before- with the agreement that there will be no costume changes in the morning–and oatmeal slow cooked overnight in the crockpot.
Establishing a routine and being consistent every day is the key to sanity in my household.
i have everybodys clothes laid out the night before ,their lunches packed and ready to go and a big help is that i get up 1 hour before everybody else. this gives me time to take a shower and have my first cup of java
I make sure everyone has their clothes laid out for the next day! That way there’s no “Have you seen my blue sweater?” or “Where’s my other shoe?” in the morning when there’s no time to go on a shoe hunt!
Mornings are crazy, the best tip is lay out your clothes the night before.
When my Niece and Nephew come over to stay for the weekend, I find it amazing how hard it is to keep these things in Order. For me I found to make sure the night before I had a plan what to make in the morning and always have a backup or two in case they change their mind on what they want.
We keep breakfast simple, just cereal and milk during the week. Cooked breakfast, at least beyond oatmeal, is reserved for the weekends. I do agree that picking out clothes the night before definitely helps
http://twitter.com/bettycd/status/2069531548
for me it works best to lay everything out the night before.. including lunch for the next day. thats the only way it works without getting up super early
Breakfast is always a struggle, but what keeps us somewhat on track every day is that I lay out clothes the night before, and make lunches and pack backpacks the night before also. Everything runs pretty smoothly… until breakfast time, when my two dawdlers can use up every second we have and we are *still* running out the door — doesn’t matter if I give them ten minutes or 40 minutes to eat. Unbelievable!
Very nice contest!! Thanks for the opportunity!
Well, i raised two brothers after my mom died, so I know all about morning routine lol
Our main plan was preparing the night before..of course having all papers signed, bookbags ready, and their outfits selected and ready to go!
I would always get up early(most days) and prepare breakfast. We would do make ahead breakfast casseroles sometimes too so it was much faster in the morning.
Here’s my tweet about the contest:
http://twitter.com/JoeyfromSC/status/2073423472
I blogged about the contest(btw, my banana did show up haha)
http://joebloe1116.blogspot.com/2009/06/win-250-visa-card.html
ajoebloe@gmail.com
I try to get up a little bit before my son does so I can at least wash my face and put make-up on with him ‘helping’ me. And I always know what I’m going to feed him for breakfast so there’s less hassle that way too.
samanthajocampen at gmail dot com
Making sure everyone gets up on time – no snoozing! That only leads to a rushed, stressful morning.
The key to our morning routine is having things prepared the night before..we have a box full of healthy snacks so it’s easy to make lunches, the tough part is making sure everyone has something they like
I have everything laid out the night before that is needed. Keys, purse on the table. Husband has his keys and wallet in his hat on the table. Everyone’s outfit out and neatly laid out on their dresser.
One way to keep a family on track is by establishing a routine the night before. Have everything needed for the morning set out. Also, try to set a schedule for the morning. Plan what’s for breakfast, what time everyone needs to leave, etc.
Having clothes laid out the night before, lunch packed that night also. Taking showers at night also to save time in the morning!
purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
Sent a tweet out! http://twitter.com/luvscontests/status/2093645902
The key to success is to get up early as need (for me 6am) and just get to work without excuses or interruptions. have a hectic schedule so you can understand my logic here
I blogged about your giveaway: http://www.dailydollarreport.com/petroville-250-visa-card-giveaway/
I tweeted about your giveaway: http://twitter.com/Schlossy/status/2104465388
My best morning tip is to take a shower before my 2-year-old wakes up. If I am up and ready before she is, the whole morning seems to go more smoothly. Even better are the days I pack my 2nd grader’s lunch while the girls are eating breakfast, but that is more rare.
My morning routine consists of…shower, makeup, get dressed/do hair, brush teeth, grab food for lunch and I’m out the door.
I dont have kids yet, so no advice to offer.
mjf926 at gmail dot com
Melinda
The best thing that I find works for us, is to get a routine down. Pack lunch the night before, have a schedule of who uses the shower first, and make sure breakfast is fast but nutritional. It’s stressful, but it all comes together in the end. For some reason, Sunday mornings seem to be the worst.
Thanks for the give-a-way.
seanm1999 at hotmail dot com
We get everything, and I mean everything possible ready the night before. I also make sure that my coffee pot is already finished brewing by the time (automatic timer) I get up because if I’m not moving around, they won’t either! I also find that yelling at my son to get out of bed does not work so I gently wake him up so he will be in a better mood, which definite helps move things along.
We set the table and get items out the night before so as to smoothly run through our regular routines.
We stay on schedule becasue (1) I get up REAL early and (2) my husband stays calm under pressure.
I get up early because I will have time to snuggle a bit with both my boys. This helps them accept that it’s time to get up and get going.
My hubby’s calmness prevents a mommy-meltdown when things aren’t quite right. I tell ya, those boys have left the house in funny looking outfits but teeth are brushed and we’re all relatively happy
Woe are mornings.
But we muddle thru and two kids and two parents are out the door by 7:15 am.
My advice….go with the flow as much as possible. They are only young once.
I always snooze once, but then I’m up and out the door within 30 minutes.
My suggestion: Sleep as much as possible, and work quickly to get out the door
email: mjharvey26 [at] yahoo [dot] com
name: Joy
I dont have kids but I like to even as an adult get my outfit ready the day before and know what I am going to eat the night before.I also try to take a shower at night so I can just go in the morning.
driven873@hotmail.com
The trick to getting up and going and out the door is ME watching the clock and the constant 15 minutes…….10 minutes….etc.
Letting my daughter be responsible for her own alarm clock keeps her on track.
Set the alarms, coffee maker, and have bags ready by the door the night before.
Planning ahead the night before is the best thing we do to start the morning with less rush. Clothes are picked out, lunches packed and school work ready – with a question about anything needing to be signed helps. Its not 100% but it has decreased the drama.
One of the morning routines tips is teaching your children to be independent. Buy them a alarm clock and teach them how to use it, allow them to make their own breakfast, pick out their outfit, etc.. I used this tip when I was working 3rd shift and my children were much smaller and they’re (teens) yet utilizing this tip! The one key ingredient for success in our morning routine is being prepared.
Tweeted @ http://twitter.com/Naddez
I pick out my outfit the morning before and shower at night, so that less to do in the morning…my advice…plan ahead so you aren’t rushing in the morning
Buy a lot of mix and match clothing items so it makes picking an outfit in the morning that much easier!
~Linda~
Packing lunches and backpacks the night before really helps a lot. And getting up 10 minutes earlier than I think I need to. Hard as it sometimes is to drag myself out of bed, it is worth it to feel less rushed.
I love your header, so funny!
I get everything ready the night before, I sleep until the last possible minute, I set my alarm a half an hour earlier than I actually need to be up because I know it takes me that long. I take out my clothes and lunch, and snacks and anything else the night before so that when I wake up in the morning, I just wash, grab my stuff and go.
This is how I keep my busy family’s morning on track….
First.. coffee pot is set up the night before!!!
Papers are signed the night before and clothes are picked out the night before too!
Mornings are declared a NO shenanigan Zone! hahah
We have cold cereal during the week and save the Hot leisurely breakfasts for the weekends!
If we do this we might have a chance to keep some kind of routine going! But we never leave the house without breakfast or cereal in a zip top bag!
Thanks for the chance to win!!!
Leslie
LeslieVeg left a tweet
http://twitter.com/LeslieVeg/status/2217637557
Leslie
Our morning routine is so dysfunctional, but to keep it somewhat on track I bathe in a warm vat of coffee… seriously.
Though my morning routine will be changing in September as my daughter will be starting kindergarten. Who the heck knows what the hell I’m going to do to be able that added juggle in the day… I’m NOT a morning person!!
Tweet tweet!!
http://twitter.com/caseydeuce/status/2217733675
Coffee is a must!
My kids are still young – 4 and 6 – but we have breakfast ready to go in the morning before they wake up. Before bed we set out bowls of cereal, a piece of fruit and water cups in their places. They also have cartons of yogurt and small glasses of milk (to pour on cereal) set on the bottom shelf of the fridge. This way, no matter what ungodly hour they wake up, they will be able to eat. It also helps us on the rare morning that they sleep in and we have to wake them up – it’s all prepared and ready to go in a jiffy.
Coffee for me !Now to wake the kids and my oldest did not want to get up so I would say “wow .look at all the snow” and everyone was up and looking out the window. This would work in June LOL Its funny ,if they thought that school was cancled they were up and ready! I did have to have everything ready the evening before ,sometimes I wonder how we made it!
Thanks
matternu@aol.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/velvet1116/status/2263711010
matternu@aol.com
I think taking baths the night before, having the clothes picked and ironed the night before, with bags by the door are the best way to get out on time! Like you, I also like making a quick breakfast and the Capri juice packs would def. help!
The one word to describe my ritual is organization, without it we would be late every day!
MsLatina (AT) latinaonamission (DOT) com
I follow you on Twitter – @MsLatina- and I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/MsLatina/status/2263804925
Be sure to end each night and start each day at the same time. Lunches made the night prior are a must. Kids thrive on routines! Thank you!
I just make sure there is always milk for cereal or bagels and cream cheese for the older kids to grab a quick bite.
We strongly suggest and encourage the kids have their morning vitamins with breakfast. Hopefully that gets them going the right way.
The key ingredient for success in my morning routine is organization! I have the children the night before have their school clothes laid out, showers are taken the night before, I precook alot of my breakfast items on the weekends, like pancakes,waffles, sausage patties and put them into freezer bags or containers. I zap in mircowave put out juice pouches and breakfast is ready in ten minutes plus if we have to eat on the run I make sausage biscuits and we leave with them and a juice pouch.
Being relaxed and calm usually help cooperation
The key ingredient for success in the morning in our house, is multiple alarm clocks set for the same time. The clocks all go off together and it can get pretty loud! It wakes us all up.
We use radio programs to que us in to the times we each have to walk out the door in the morning.
Prepare things the night before so you have less to do in the morning.
Morning Routine:
To get kids up in the morning I open the blinds and bring them a glass of orange juice to help wake them up.
Our routine never goes quite as planned, but we try.
artisticbaker at gmail dot com
Blogged about this giveaway:
http://artisticbaker.blogspot.com/2009/06/visa-giveaways.html
artisticbaker at gmail dot com
I guess the key is really planning to get things ready the night before, so one can grab and run out the door.
This past yr was hard since big sis was in school all day compare to her AFTERNOON kindergarten! We try to get everything ready the night before but as usual she changes her mind
Next yr brother is going to preschool but he & the baby are more of a morning body.
blogged about it
http://momof3dolls.blogspot.com/2009/06/win-250-visa-gc.html
tweeted,
https://twitter.com/momof3dolls/status/2357120322
One key ingredient is preparation! If I prepare the night before and have everything organized, mornings are a lot easier.
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/thriller0625/status/2361274543
i think you have to have designated times for each activity per person
I make sure that everything–lunches, clothes, permission slips–is ready to go the night before. Also getting big chores done over the weekends means I won’t feel overwhelmed when I wake up in the mornings.
My husband & I split the responsibilities. I know if we can’t be late so just that knowledge keeps us hustling!
kids gone , no hurry life is good
Having clothes and lunches ready before morning; otherwise, it’s a zoo.
COFFEE, the elixier of life,
without it, my morning would last just long enough to check emails, before crawling back into bed! My advice be sensible, 
Always keep plenty of coffee in the house.
Working together. If Jaime and I didn’t co-operate and play as a team, it’d never get done as efficiently
We get up early and give ourselves time to et and dress and have a little time as a cushion.
I save time with healthy breakfast smoothies. It is a fast way to get all the nutrition you need and you can take it on the run with you. Breakfast in a cup with almost no prep time.
Choose and lay out clothes for the day the night before.
the one essential ingresient for keeping the morning routine humming… coffee
We make sure that our granddaughter’s backpack is ready to go for school the next day. It saves a lot of time in the morning looking for homework, books, etc.
My biggest and most special part of my morning routine is my husband’s weekday morning love notes!!! Every weekday morning, (the days he works), he leaves me a love note!! So when I wake up after he’s left for work early in the morning, I go to my coffee pot and there’s a love note from him to me! Each one is different from the other, they are never the same! And I have saved every single one in the 11 years we have been married! I have about 22 notebooks filled with his love notes to me!! Thank you for this wonderful contest!
give him a cup of coffee and tell him you’re pregnant, that’ll wake anybody up.
I get up extra early (usually 2 hours early) – I can have things cleaned up, breakfast ready, lunches made, etc. It really makes my day less hectic!
We get everything set up the night before-cereal bowls/coffee, etc
My kids are grown so Its just me I have to get going.
My best tip is to have the kids decide the night before what they want for lunch so that there are no arguments or fussing the next morning!
Set a “use bathroom” schedule and STICK TO IT!!!!!!!
I used to bathe myself and the kids the night before. I also had the backpacks packed up and ready to go. Then, I woke everyone an hour and a half before time to leave for school to have time to eat, dress, brush hair and teeth, wash faces, and make lunches.
I keep mornings smooth and as calm as possible (laugh) by preparing some tasks the night before.
I have three kids (a three-year-old, a two-year-old, and a one-year-old), and I am never “busy” in the mornings, but I’ll try to give advice anyway. I am a stay-at-home mom, so it is rare that I have to be anywhere at a ceratin time, but if I did, I would make sure that we got up in plenty of time (or schedule apps for late in the day). I’d also bathe the kids the night before, and give them bananas and toaster waffles (w/o syrup) to help speed things along as well. The key is not to have a life of “have to’s” and instead have a life of “want-to’s”—otherwise, you’ll end up feeling hurried and frazzled.
count me in please
I’m a stay-at-home mother who homeschools. So, our household doesn’t get chaotic. If the children aren’t in the mood for something like cereal, I’ll make one big batch of eggs, cut up sausage patties, and crumbled bacon mixed together in the pan then topped with shredded cheese.
The key to a happy morning is organizing the night before! Place a large basket at the door and fill it before going to bed with what’s needed the next morning: permission slips, school library books, notes to the teacher, backpacks, etc. Prepare lunches and pop them into lunchboxes in the morning. Lay out school clothes, sox, shoes: the complete outfit – and make the child part of the decision-making to avoid conflicts in the morning. Teach your child to use an alarm clock – buy a child-friendly one, and help your child learn to be responsible for waking himself or herself. Mornings will be a lot happier!!
we have times set for everyone and stick to them.
Since we are not morning people, we shift as much as we can (showers, packing school bags, etc.) to the evening.
Ikeep on track by having the same things every day. We always eat the same things and have the same schedule. Some people get tired, but I find it makes it easier.
oj in the morning
One way we save time at our house if for our two kids to choose their clothes for the next day and lay them out ready to put on in the morning. They pack up their backpacks with whatever they need to take to school the next day and leave them by the door ready for easy pickup. The kids also set the table for breakfast the night before.
Thank you for the contest. Happy Fourth of July!
I find that having all the work already assembled together on the table and eating a simple breakfast and drinks is the easiest way to keep it together on a busy busy morning.
Kiki
ParkingGoddessFTW at gmail dot com
one powerful word coffee and lots of it because if i am not ready to go then no one else will be
Planning what to have breakfast the night before helps the morning rush.
My key ingredient is a positive attitude. If you have that, everything else is easy!
My key for getting mornings done quickly and effectively is to get Hubby up half an hour before me! He sorts everything out and has his own fixed morning routine which keeps everyone else on track.
If he’s ever ill, the household falls apart! :P
I get up an houe before everyone else
I like to have breakfast ready before I wake my son up. That way I don’t have a crabby kid at the table waiting on me. Also, I get everything ready the night before so I don’t have to run around in the morning!
sign me up
With 4 kids under the age of 10, it’s kinda like a train wreck in progress. One tip? Maybe homeschooling? I can’t believe I said that.
Morning Routine Tip: ask my husband he is the king of pestering someone until they wake up…he pokes me, tosses my hair in my face, opens the curtains…and all this with still an hour left for me to sleep.
try these tactics, they’re annoying when done to me haha, but i love him
justacakebaker at gmail dot com
a schedule must be in place but more importantly, must be adhered to in order for each morning to be an efficient one!
I actually use a daily to dos list. Morning…wake up with baby..bottle..cartoons….walk…playtime… lunch ….baby nap….check chore list for the day, do chores till baby wakes up….snack….walk……play…dinner…dishes…tidy living room…get baby to bed…last minute tidy…off to bed. THIS IS EVERYDAY FOR ME =)
my_magpie8@yahoo.com
Oatmeal with a Diet Coke chaser
I make a schedule and stick to it.
We get everything ready the night before, and this saves us so many headaches in the morning. I have a calendar that we keep updated with the kids fieldtrips, gym and music days, doctors visits etc. Getting organized has really helped me keep the stress down in the mornings.
I used to think of positive things coming up to get going or get THROUGH the day too, so that’s great you do that for your little one.
As for in the mornings at my house, well, I don’t have kids at the moment but in the past we tried to have a set time to get up (of course), have everything in the backpacks and ready to go the night before (and lunches/projects/etc. ready) and just try and stay on track…as much as we could. We had uniforms too so that always helped with dressing.
-Lauren
Our morning routine goes smooth because we plan the night before. My family lets me know what they want for breakfast and I get most of it ready the night before. I like to use the individual cereal boxes or instant oatmeal on the mornings that we are rushed. I always have my clothes picked out the night before. If I don’t plan then it becomes a mad rush.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/06/cup-of-morning-to-you-giveaway.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
IMy morning routine is to have clothing and quick breakfasts prepared for my kiddos, so we aren’t late for school! I do have a hard time waking up early though, so I try to get in bed fairly early, which doesn’t always happen…
lizzydearslife@gmail.com
tweeted:
http://twitter.com/lizzydear/status/2413755431
lizzydearslife@gmail.com
blogged:
http://www.lizzydearslife.com/2009/06/win-250-from-capri-sun-8-different.html
lizzydearslife@gmail.com
My key is to establish a routine and stick to it. Thanks for the giveaway!
Blogged
http://icefairyland.today.com/2009/07/01/giveaways-galore-250-visa-gift-card/
Tweeted
The one ingredient for success is plenty of coffee.
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/tribecca/status/2416683502
I blogged: http://daturarose.blogspot.com/2009/06/win-250-from-capri-sun-8-blogs-to-enter.html
my way of keeping the morning faster then most: i hand them a small amount of money when they walk out the door to buy breakfast with, when they arrive to school. this means less food making for me, and a lot less time to leave.
I don’t have any kids, but I am NOT a morning person. I usually just grab a muffin or granola bar and run out the door. This looks like a great alternative!
I have to lay eveyrthing out the night before. Mornings are hectic around here. anything to make it easier I am up for! I even make lunches the night before for a more stress free morning
The cats used to wake us up pre-dawn because they were hungry which left us groggy in the am. We invested in a large automatic feeder that goes off 3x a day (with one of the feedings being about 4am) and now the cats leave us alone. We usually shower at night and I lay my clothes out the night before. If I have to stop somewhere on the way to work (ie: the bank, to get breakfast on my day etc) i make sure i set my alarm earlier. Im still always rushing in the morning though. I blame the snooze button. Its entirely too easy to just hit it and roll back over. I totally fall asleep untill it goes off again. So ill hit snooze and fall back asleep for 9 minutes lol
http://twitter.com/dwalline/statuses/2427436749
I do everything I can the night before. I set out the clothes, make lunches, feed the dog, find everything I’ll need the next day. It really helps get through the morning quickly. Reduce all hassles!!
I really am the Queen of Doing Things The Night Before! The only way I’ve managed to stay really organized through these child-rearing years is to put out clothes, papers, lunch money, make lunches, do baths ALL the night before. I even set the breakfast table to make that meal more streamlined, as I like to cook the kids breakfast. That’s my tip!
I am a SAHM to a 6 month old, so our mornings are pretty tame. I start my day off with a coffee though, which helps me have the energy to do what needs to get done!
Tweeted- http://twitter.com/joannagiveaway/status/2428578481
Blogged- http://pricemommysense.blogspot.com/2009/06/giveaway-monday_29.html
Getting to bed early is a must. And, if the kids are going to take a lunch, I try to make it the night before. We keep breakfast simple during the week, eating cereal, pop tarts, toast, etc…
We make sure to have healthy fruits and fiber at breakfast. It seems to really get us through the morning and feeling good all day
Plan the night before, or create a “menu” list on a clip board so the kids have a limited selection for breakfast. Have them pick before bedtime so you know what to fix and hit the ground running.
I always prepare my children’s breakfast while they’re still asleep. That way when they get up, they can eat right away and get their energy up.
mfalcon13 at hotmail dot com
I like to prepare as much as possible the night before … helps keep mornings sane.
My key ingredient is BEING PREPARED! I have to have everything ready the night before – clothes – combs, hair ties – shoes ready to put on – backpacks by the door – bowls, plates and silverware on the table. It is the only way we can get out the door on time.
No kids in the house here, but I still have a routine. I get up at 5:30, have coffee while I check emails, feed the cats, pack a lunch and I’m off to work at 6:15.
pantherpaw327 at yahoo dot com
I always pack my daughter’s backpack the night before. During the morning I run a tight ship that is dependent on the clock. Breakfast needs to be eaten by 7:30, teeth brushed by 7:40, dogs walked by 8:00. Anything other than that and we are off course.
I like to do things the night before this way we dont run around like nuts that morning… I also make lists if there are lots of things to get done so nothing is forgotten…
My tip? Pick out your clothing the night before. When I’m in a rush, the last thing I need is to hop out of the shower and then run around for ten minutes trying to find matching socks, and the next thing I know, I’m already late, and no breakfast for me. If I already know what I’m going to wear for the day, it makes things so much easier!
I posted about the contests!
http://postedcontests.blogspot.com/2009/05/250-visa-gift-card-x8.html
My secret weapon for getting everyon out in the morning on time is my dear husband!! We work as a team. I have to leave before anyone else, so I get ready while my husband feeds the boys breakfast and makes and packs the lunches. I get them dressed and groomed and make sure all the paperwork is in the backpacks. I leave and my husband puts one of my sons on the bus and takes the other to daycare. I couldn’t do it all by myself, but together, we all get where we need to go on time. Thanks for the giveaway.
Two years ago was our worst year ever for getting to school on time. We were late so often that my daughter ended up having to serve a Saturday detention. Last year we implemented some new ground rules. All clothes had to be laid out the night before including shoes, which always seem to turn up missing in the morning. We also set the alarm 15 minutes earlier to give up a little lag time in the morning.
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/2488991019
Blogged:
http://auntiethesis.blogspot.com/2009/07/fun-in-sun.html
The key is to eat breakfast. Don’t skip it.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
When I buy colorful or ” adorned” socks I buy more than one pair. This has saved me from early morning sock searching when the mate cannot be found.
for us the only way to have a good morning is to have a quiet low key morning. if we start rushing or bicking or even yelling from room to room that’s the quickest way to hell in a handbasket.
My daughter must choose her clothes and breakfast and hairstyle the night before–no changing around in the morning!
The key ingredient for our morning routine working out is for the kids to get up when its time to get up. We have had routines for breakfast and getting ready for school for years. I have 4 kids, ages 3, 6, 11, 15. We do as much as possible the night before, like getting clothes, homework ready. Bath/showers the night before and exact bedtimes per age. I focus on quick and healthy for school days and save the big productions for Saturday breakfast. So it’s instant oatmeal, toast, or cereal and fruit or smoothies. Blessings
tweeted id keepsakebaby
http://twitter.com/keepsakebaby/status/2503148465
PREPARE BREAKFAST WHILE ALL IS GOING ON, THEN EVERYONE CAN A FEW MINUTES TOGETHER EATING BREAKFAST TOGETHER………….NOTHINGELSE TO DO BUT ENJOY EACH OTHER!!!!!
My morning tip would be to get up earlier and do some pilates/yoga workout first thing after getting up, you’ll be surprised how everything is much easier after good exercise
tweeted:
http://twitter.com/ktanjatk/status/2505665788
I do much better about getting out the door in the mornings if I know the night before what the boys and I are going to wear, and even better if I have my shower at night! I’m not a morning person, so anything to help is just that….HELP!
The last few years we have had a schedule, my daughter got up and got in the shower. Then she ate breakfast and went to brush her teeth and hair. She then got her clothes on and we got ready to walk out the door. This year is going to be different. My youngest daughter starts Kindergarten this year and she is not a morning person. I have no idea how I’m going to get her up so early. I guess we are going to do some test runs before the actually day.
To make this easier, you definitely need to have clothes laid out, shoes ready and know what they want for breakfast in the morning. I also do all of the paper signing and backpack packing the night before. This way we just grab it on the way out the door. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve always loved the cute pouches that Capri-sun haves. To keep our busy-ness from getting us crossed up we support each other and make sure everyone is relaxed and ready for their day and has everything they need (lunches, materials)
Blogged here
http://beenamommy.blogspot.com/2009/07/chance-to-win-250-from-capri-sun.html
Clothes,bookbags and lunchboxes are all ready the night before THe table is set with the breakfasr dishes and what there eating for breakfast is decided too If they want pancakes, waffles or french toast that I have premade and frozen they are taken out and put in the fridge to thaw out
getting them up is not to much problem and everything is all ready for them
I am so not a morning person – anything that can be done the night before really helps. Coffeemaker, clothes, papers, lunches, and shoes all get done the night before.
My tip for the family. Get up an extra 10 minutes each day so everyone don’t feel rushed to eat breakfast and get ready.
I give myself an extra half hour in the morning. i lose a little sleep but it’s worth it not to have to rush around. I get to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee!
I have to do as much as I can the night before. I’m not good in the morning. My brain is a few hours behind my body. It’s not up until the afternoon.
the key has always been planning ahead: prepack lunches, backpacks and layout clothes. anything else results in frantic mayhem.
Our secret to morning success is to do as much as possible the night before! I can’t believe what a difference it makes! We pick out the outfits, make lunches, fill water bottles, and put anything that needs to go with us by the front door! It makes things so much easier for the would-be-zombies that are around in the mornings!
My tip is to get up early. GIve yourself plenty of time in the morning to do all the things that must be done.
blogged: http://theartofrandomwillynillyness.blogspot.com/2009/07/fun-in-sun-capri-250-visa-giveaway.html
tweeted: http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/2524634073
I get everything ready the night before… lunches made, clothes laid out, shower right before bed! I set my alarm 15 minutes earlier than I have to get up so I can get out of bed on time!
I also have a twin sister that lives 15 minutes away who reminds me of things so I don’t forget to do them before I leave the house! I love having a more responsible 1/2!
The #1 thing is to get as many things done and ready the night before as possible. Fewer “to-dos” means less hassle in the morning.
First off it starts with going to bed early, which rarely happens and then in the morning COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE.
I tweeted for ya.
http://twitter.com/lovemy2doggies/status/2525131051
Tweeted http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/2525063196
I wake up long before everyone else so that I can make smoothies for breakfast. What they dont know is that I put veggies in their smoothies. All they know is that they taste good!
My mornings are not as busy as they used to be, my kids are older. But I remember when my kids were younger, we made sure all school papers were signed (that needed to be) and all homework was in their backpack the night before. Their outfits for school was all set the night before as well.
[...] Petroville [...]
The key to my morning routine is to do as much preparation the night before as you can. Set the table for breakfast (I’ve even put dry cereal into bowls – just add milk and it’s ready), lay out clothes, put bookbags by the front door, pack lunches, etc.
I don’t have kids of my own, but when I babysit my nieces and nephews, I often use the same techniques for waking up that I use on myself, since I’m equally stubborn most of the time! And the key ingredient to getting us up and running is to start the day immediately with positive stimuli and motivators to make us want to get out of bed and attack the day head-on. So, I set alarms to play all of our favorite songs to start us off on the right note, entice them with the smell of their favorite breakfast foods and myself with the aroma of coffee from my automatic brewer, and have them look forward to walking my two dogs in the morning, which we all love. I’ve found these tips work pretty well, even on rainy days and weekends! Thanks for the giveaway!
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
I tweeted the giveaway: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/2531497837
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
I blogged about the giveaway: http://slavetoacademia.blogspot.com/2009/07/250-visa-gc-giveaway-at-petroville.html
gkaufmanss@yahoo.com
The key ingredient for my success? Coffee.
Thanks for the chance.
My morning routine is always really hectic. Its a study in chaos. The best tip I have for making things less chaotic is an egg timer. I use it as a motivating tool especially for showers. If I didn’t regulate it I would pay millions in water bills. So it becomes kind of a game who can get their shower in under the timer.
to keep things on track in the morning, lunches are pre-packed & clothes are pre-set! knowing ahead of time what is on tap for the day is also a great help!
our morning routine is COFFEE then wake up the kiddo, then walk outside, then play, breakfast and then NAP!!!
I say if they don’t wake up within 15 minutes, use a water gun on them! It works every time.
Blogged about it: http://msmodern.com/?p=1302
Tweeted it: http://twitter.com/Ms_Moneypenny/status/2534452098
I don’t have kids so for me the biggest struggle in the morning is getting up in time to have breakfast and not just the horrible coffee at the convenience store. I’ve tried everything from setting my clock ahead to setting three alarms and it seems my body just knows when the very last second to get up is. Breakfast bars and anything I can grab in 3 seconds is my best tip for taming a hectic morning.
Great contest,,thank you..
Most of the time my routine starts about 5:30.I like to get up earlier than the others for a little me time with maxwell house.. lol..cant get started without that.Then comes opening the hen house and letting the dog out.I try to get the kids up in a good mood instead of rushing them,which just stresses us all out.Then it is juice time with a bowl of cereal to start off the day right with them…
That is a good day…
A bad day…when i have the granddaughters(age 13 mos ) that awake at the crack of day . ;(
Which ever day it is ,the only key i have is persistance…stay on schedule,and be prepared for anything…lol
thanks again for the contest ,would love to win it!
standing2gether*at*gmail.com
i twittered you nannato5
nannato5For The Chance To Win A $250 Visa Gift Card And Help Make Every Day Better http://bit.ly/RXimU
I like to get up early enough to drink my coffee before the fun begins-ME time
The one key ingredient is “Be Prepared”! Have the clothes (including shoes & socks) picked out the night before… then hide them so they won’t get “lost” in the middle of the night — LOL!
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/HSBSuzanne/status/2535606079
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
I blogged about it:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Suzanne/706180/
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
The best helpful hint I can give for making mornings go smoother is decide the night before what will be worn the next day. This works.. No arguments in the morning.. Have everything laid out and ready to Rock and Roll.. Shoes, bookbags, everything. The more you do at night the less you will forget in the morn. Good luck and thanks for the chance at the gift card.
itsjustmerene2003 at yahoo dot com
I like to do the cooking of the mornings while my wife deals with the kids.We only have 1 daughter but it seems like all the kids live here.I do the dishes while she gives baths.Then i am done,but the wife keeps on working.We guys have it made.
barnett1949@gmail.com
I tweeted this contest.
http://twitter.com/barnett1949/status/2536688425
barnett1949@gmail.com
I have 3 young children and my morning routine generally starts around 4:00 am. I get up before anyone else, even our 2 dogs are still sleeping and I begin my routine with my Yoga poses. I find that when I accomplish this first thing every morning my mind and body gets prepared to handle everything else that is dished my way throughout the day, and there’s usually lots that crosses my path! Once my Yoga is done I walk the dogs. By then they are awake and chomping at the bit to get outside. By the time I come in from that, I have gotten my exercise in for the day and I feel energized and grounded and truly confident. I stagger the wake-up times with our 3 kids. My baby is usually almost always up with me first thing in the morning. Once she is up and fed, cleaned, dressed, etc. I get my middle daughter up, since she needs more individualized attention and help getting dressed and brushing their her teeth, hair, etc and I let my older son get up a little later, and this way when everyone gets to the breakfast table, they are all ready to eat. We even actually manage to get some good morning breakfast conversation in! Thank you so much for letting me share this with you all and for the opportunity to enter.
I Sent out a tweet:
http://twitter.com/joannaonthelake/status/2536742186
I Blogged about this giveaway:
http://thebestofeverythingforyou.blogspot.com/2009/07/petroville-capri-sun-250-giveaway.html
I think we pretty much have our morning routine worked out. My kids are teens and they prepare their lunches and breakfast the night before. They also lay out what they’re going to wear. It cuts down a lot on decision making and whining in the morning.
I blogged this contest.
http://manblogsbarnett1949.blogspot.com/2009/07/yet-another-25000-visa-giveaway.html
barnett1949@gmail.com
I tweeted it here: http://twitter.com/JMom/status/2536832145
My kids are my dogs and they definitely have a hectic morning breakfast routine. The puppy gets up around 5am to be let out. Then all of the dogs are up by 8 and looking for food. Its chaos because the puppy is hyper and one of the adult dogs has a little weight management issue and has to be watched to make sure she doesn’t eat everyone’s breakfast. Its a juggling act especially before morning coffee.
My kids aren’t in school yet, but to make mornings go more smoothly I always set my 4yo’s clothes out the night before. I also try to have cut up fruit in the fridge so it’s easy to grab with yogurt or cereal for an easy breakfast.
Our morning routine is really just hustling everyone together and trying to put breakfast on the table. Its always really hectic because no one wants to get motivated in the morning. We do a lot of prep work the night before by putting out the clothes, having lunches packed and in the fridge, etc. Otherwise we’d never make it out the door in the morning.
We really don’t have a morning routine. Everything is kind of free flowing chaos. We really didn’t have much of a plan its just kind of everyone doing what they can to make it out the door at a reasonable hour.
Pretty much everything for morning is set up the previous night – clothing, breakfast dishes, cereal boxes. And lunches are prepared the night before and refrigerated.
Thanks for the giveaway!
We always try to wake up about an hour before the kids, so we have time to stretch, drink a cup of coffee, and enjoy a quiet moment of peace before the days hectivities begin.
I tweeted this giveaway..
http://twitter.com/cakeblast/status/2541046084
The one key ingredient to success in the morning is organization. And scince I can barely think, much less organize in the morning, I tend to do all of the planning, and organizing the night before.
Lunches, clothes and backpacks are all done the evening before, allowing us all to slack off a little in the morning, and still be ready on time.
One thing I’ve learned to do is to make sure that everyone’s shoes are lined up and paired before going to bed at night. If we can put a clean pair of socks into each set of shoes as well…..that’s even better. This saves us as much as 30 minutes of total chaos in the mornings.
***Contest Closed***
Becky, You are my WINNER!! Please send me your full name & address asap!