5 Tips to Get Your Kids Out the Door!
It’s no secret, getting out the door in the morning or any time of day for that matter can be quite a challenge now that you have a child. To make it even more challenging, the more children you add, the harder it gets. Over the years, through helping raise my step-children, who are now 18 and 20, and now raising my 4-year-old and 10-month old, I have learned a few tips I’d like to share.
TIP #1: Organize the Night Before
I know the last thing you want to do after putting the kids to bed and cleaning up the house is to organize for the next day. However, believe me, you’ll thank yourself later. It doesn’t have to be hard. Look at what you have on the agenda for the next day and then plan accordingly. If you don’t have any set plans (first of all good for you), that is ok too. There are still things to do. Here are a handful of things to think about.
- Re-stock the diaper bag so you are prepared for anything.
- Lay your children’s clothes out, maybe two options if the weather looks iffy.
- Set out your own clothes. If you are like most moms, you are waiting until last to get yourself ready and only half put together as you are walking out the door. Don’t do this to yourself. Get ready first.
- Pack snack bag, cooler and/or lunches. Make it easy to pick up and go as well as save money because you didn’t have time to pack drinks and snacks.
- Plan for breakfast/Meals. Make sure you have meals planned for the next day so you aren’t having to think of what to make at the last minute.
- Organize as you go. Have your children bring you their backpacks when you first get home. Unpack them and re-pack them for the next day right away. One less thing you need to do the next morning, not to mention their won’t be any last minute surprises.
TIP #2: Create a Command Center
This one is one of my favorites. Make sure you have a central location for items you’ll need like backpacks, diaper bags, packages to ship, school forms, workout bag, mittens, hats, etc. It is nice if you have the space for each member of the household to have their own cubby or locker, but that isn’t always the case. You can also have a command center for each person in their rooms if there isn’t room in the entry or garage. Simple things like having a spot to put your keys each day is important. Get in a routine and stick with it. Mine shown is one of two command centers I have. It is not perfect, but it does its job. I always have two fully stocked diaper bags (one large and one small), and my son’s backpack is also there on the nights before school (otherwise it is kept in his room). The other one has hooks, shelves, and compartments for things like keys, files, hats, gloves, coats, etc. If you don’t have something like this in your entry, believe me, it is well worth the investment.
TIP #3: Delegate Tasks
This may seem funny, but it is a must. As a mom, we tend to do everything for our kids in order to have it done quickly or the “right” way. As our children get older, we need to allow them and encourage them to do things on their own. Things like getting dressed, helping feed the dog, putting clothes away, brushing their teeth, etc. Our kids are more capable than we think and remember it will only help them be more independent and self-sufficient when they are in college and as adults in general. Not to mention it will free up time in your mornings, once everyone is all practiced up that is. Allow more time when you first start this! 
TIP #4: Tell Your Kids You Love Them!
You know that moment where you are trying to get out the door, you have yelled at your kids to get their shoes on for the 10th time and you are stressed to the max because you know you are going to be late. Don’t lie, I know you’ve been there. Well instead of yelling, just calmly tell them you love them and try one more time. You would be amazed at what this can do. The power of love and patience really goes a long way. I started this with my 4-year-old a month or so ago, it is amazing the difference in how fast we get out the door and the reduction in stress I then have.
TIP #5: Clean a Little Each Day
This one is for those moms who try to do it all in the morning (you know who you are); clean the kitchen, do the laundry, sweep the floors, get children ready, pack lunches, etc. I don’t know about you, but I barely get enough sleep as it is right now, so I surely don’t want to be up at 5:00 am to do all of these things in the morning, especially cleaning. Instead of having one huge cleaning day each week or no plan at all, I try to do a little each day. It actually seems more natural this way because I can schedule it into my day. I know so many moms who spend their weekends, their only day off or one full day a week cleaning. The reason this is a problem is that it takes away from family time and the ability to do things spur of the moment activities.
I truly hope these simple tips not only help you to get out the door with your children but also help you do it with less stress!
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