| Around our house, it's the morning rush that causes | | | | didn't know I was supposed to...!" |
| the most stress. I don't think I yell as much in a | | | | - Get a jumpstart. Do as much the night before as |
| whole month as I do the first Monday after a long | | | | you can - pack lunches, sign permission slips, locate |
| weekend! For whatever reason, the kids are slow | | | | sports shoes. I'm guilty of skipping this step, and it |
| pokes, they squibble and squabble, and they do | | | | always comes back to bite me in the caboose. |
| everything possible to get on my last nerve. Through | | | | - Delegate. Make one kid in charge of the car keys, |
| a lot of trial and error, I've found these strategies for | | | | another in charge of lunches, and another (if you |
| getting us out the door on time: | | | | have one around!) in charge of turning all the lights |
| - Have a plan. Know what time milestones you need | | | | off on the way out the door. There's no reason you |
| to meet - breakfast over and done by 8:05, shoes | | | | should have to keep track of everything. |
| on and out the door by 8:15. | | | | - Figure out your "cheats." Determine what helps you |
| - Make a list. Let the kids know what is expected of | | | | keep on track - sticky notes on the front door, |
| them - and have it in writing. Let them know that | | | | putting sports bags and instruments in the car the |
| they need to pack their backpacks, clear their | | | | night before, setting the clock ahead five or ten |
| breakfast plates, walk the dog, and brush their teeth. | | | | minutes. Don't be afraid to take those shortcuts! |
| When they see it all written out, it's easier for them | | | | - Aim for five minutes early. Whatever your target |
| to learn to plan ahead and think about what they | | | | time is to be out the door, aim for five minutes |
| need to complete. Plus, there's no argument or "I | | | | earlier. |