It doesn't matter whether you're the consummate morning person or not - the a.m. hours are usually difficult. You're talking about a lot to do in a little amount of time. The key to making the feat more feasible is to be completely organized. Of course, anybody who has children knows that's easier said than done. The sun is barely shining, and it's complete and utter chaos.{relatedarticles}But good news - you can prepare for the morning the night before. It's that simple. Pack the lunches ahead of time. Put everything in the brown bags or lunch boxes, except for perishables. Make sure ice packs are frozen and juice boxes are refrigerated. Go through your child's backpack and make sure their homework is completed and put away. Sign all permission slips and notes to and from teachers. Bookbags - and everything that needs to go in them - should be packed and waiting by the front door before they leave.
Work with the kids the night before to lay out their clothes for the following day. We're talking about shirts, shorts, socks, underwear and shoes. Leave no stone unturned. If your children need cash for lunches, field trips or anything else, make sure you have the money in hand for the following day. If you don't, make a run for the nearest ATM. Why rush the next morning? Keep a checklist of everything that needs to be done in the morning and gather everything together that needs to go out the door. {relatedarticles}Use that as your guideline for getting things done in the morning. Follow the same routine every day so that you don't forget anything that needs to be done. That means you should have a method to the madness. In other words, have your kids wake up, eat breakfast, get dressed, brush hair and teeth, pick up their rooms, and be ready to leave for school. That way there's never any confusion as to what they should be doing. Follow these simple steps, and every morning will be a good one in your house.