Mumbai Mirror
A slow start to the day means low productivity. TOI curates a set of effective strategies to accelerate your mornings
Even the ultimate guidebook for mums will not tell you that motherhood is synonymous with chronic tardiness. It's true, children dilly-dally a lot and mums run behind them, but no one seems to get anywhere on time. To avoid the mad rush through the day, you need to ensure that your mornings run smoothly. Here are 12 smart ideas that'll help you speed up the mornings and for getting your kids (and yourself) out of the door on time.
Be up first
We know you're tired, but being the first one out of bed can eliminate a big source of morning stress — getting your kids and yourself ready at the same time. This will help you have a relaxed start to the day; spend time preparing lunch and not scurrying to get things done.
Warning signals
Many kids have a hard time stopping what they're doing and quickly changing course. To help them stay on schedule, give your kids 10-minute, 5-minute, and 2-minute departure warnings. Set a timer -- there are even talking ones on the market that will countdown the minutes for them. They may not have learnt to read the clock, but it puts the idea in their heads that they're doing something else shortly, and they'll have to bring their current activity to a halt.
Prepare the previous night
The key to getting out the door faster is to prepare the night before. Lay out your child's uniform, make sure their bags are packed, and ensure that they've completed their homework, and signed permission slips before they have called it a night.
Set up a morning routine
It always helps to establish a morning routine. If it's breakfast time, they know they have to brush their teeth, eat and get dressed with no breaks in between. By doing the same things in the same order, children know what they need to do next and it becomes automatic for them. Time your kids to see how long it takes to get out the door from the moment you say it's time to go. Allowing yourself enough time to get out the door will help you make a stress-free exit.
Make portable breakfast
Serve up healthy, portable breakfast. Milk and cereals are always easy to rustle. Make sure you sprinkle a few almonds and walnuts in the bowl for an added dose of vitamin. Poha, upma, are easy to prepare too. They can be carried around without messing your car. Make sure they have a tall glass of milk before they leave home. This will keep them going through the day.
Get them to compete
For young kids with a competitive streak, this can work wonders. Tell them, the first one down (or up) the stairs is the superhero. Playing 'Who Can Do it First?' can help speed up everything from getting your kid dressed to getting them to school on time.
Switch off
If you're addicted to your smart phone, it can be hard to imagine starting the day unplugged. Parents must avoid checking emails and surfing the Internet before dropping off their kids to school in the morning. These create a huge black hole when it comes to time, because it's hard to just 'check one thing really quickly. Inevitably, you'll spend way more time online than you plan. Avoid watching news in the morning too, especially if it distracts your kids from getting going.
Draw a family calendar
Keep everyone's schedule straight with one calendar that all family members can follow. It's a great visual way to consult your schedule. This will not only keep all the members in the loop, it will serve as a reminder. Knowing what your kid needs on what day will help you be more organised in the morning and avoid last minute rushing around.
Early to bed
If you want a 'good' morning, make sure you call it an early night. Children should ideally have their dinner by 7 pm and sleep by 8.30 pm. They shouldn't spend too much time in front of the television as it affects the sleep pattern. No chocolate or other sweets before bedtime as it'll keep them up.
Notes on child's challenges
Depending on your kid's age, there are some tasks he/ she may not be able to do herself. In that case, figure out what duties trip her up. If tying her shoelaces takes her a long time, consider helping her in the morning instead of repeatedly nagging her to do it herself. If your son spills every time he pours milk into his glass bowl, transfer the amount he needs into a small, easier to-handle cup.
Let them miss the bus
If your kids are older, let them experience the consequences of constant dilly-dallying. This could mean a red remark in the calendar. But it's okay; that's how they'll learn. If they are chronically late, then take it a step ahead and teach the brat a thorough lesson. Don't drive him to school, let him skip it and study at home. This strategy always works and we can vouch that the next time around he will always reach school on time.
Cut out the dressing drama
Is getting your kid dressed for morning weekend hobby classes the most stressful part? We suggest buy a hanging closet bin and have your kid pick out his/her outfits for the week ahead of time the method, do everything you can to tame the tantrums and tears and reduce the amount of time it actually takes your kid to get dressed for the class.
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