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Because “magical” is a fantasy, but “barely functional” is achievable.
Let’s paint a picture: it’s 7:03 a.m. Someone’s crying because their sock feels “too socky.”
Another child just announced a school project that’s due today, and you’re standing in the kitchen holding a piece of cold toast and wondering if you already drank your coffee or just imagined drinking it.
Sound familiar? Cool. You’re in the right place.
Mornings with kids aren’t just chaotic they’re a full-contact sport.
And despite what Pinterest and that one mom on Instagram would have you believe, most of us aren’t rising at 5 a.m. to meditate, journal, and whip up gluten-free banana pancakes in matching robes. (If you are – teach me your ways, sensei.)
But here’s the good news: you don’t need a total morning overhaul to feel less like you’re hosting a tiny circus with no ringmaster.
You just need a few small tweaks that give you the illusion of control while everything around you is (lovingly) on fire.
So here they are, seven hacks that have made my mornings with three small humans slightly less hellish.
Not perfect. Not serene. Just a smidge more doable. And sometimes, that’s all we need.
1. Set Out Clothes the Night Before (Including Yours)
Let’s not pretend like we haven’t spent 20 minutes searching for “the soft Elsa shirt, not the scratchy one with the weird sleeves.”
Setting everything out the night before means fewer pre-coffee negotiations and yes, that includes your own outfit, even if it’s just fresh leggings and a top that doesn’t smell like peanut butter.
2. Make Breakfast a “Grab and Go” Situation
No one has time to become a short-order cook at 6:45 a.m. Prep a few go-to breakfasts ahead of time—think overnight oats, egg muffins, or “banana sushi” (banana + tortilla + peanut butter, rolled and sliced). Bonus: the kids think it’s fun.
You think it’s one less thing on your plate. Everyone wins.
3. Create a ‘Launch Pad’ by the Door
This one is a game-changer. Designate a spot (bin, basket, spaceship—whatever works) where backpacks, shoes, lunchboxes, and library books live overnight.
That way, the morning doesn’t start with, “MOOOOM! WHERE’S MY OTHER SHOE?!” at full volume while you’re brushing someone else’s teeth.
4. Implement a “No Requests” Window
From 7:10 to 7:30, I am not taking custom cereal orders, locating tiny toys, or finding the green spoon. During this sacred time, we are getting ready.
I tell the kids, “Pretend I’m invisible but still magically helpful.” They don’t listen, but I feel better pretending there are rules.
5. Use a Morning Playlist as a Soundtrack (or Timer)
I used to bark orders. Now I just hit play. A playlist that starts calm and ends with dance-party energy not only keeps us on pace—it sets the vibe. Songs = timestamps.
When “Uptown Funk” hits, we’re brushing teeth. When “Can’t Stop the Feeling” plays, we better be buckled in the car. Try it. It works. (Mostly.)
6. Turn Getting Ready Into a Game (But a Chill One)
We’ve learned not to use the word “race,” unless we’re emotionally prepared for the aftermath.
But calling it “Who’s Gonna Be First to Get Dressed Like a Ninja?” adds just enough flair to motivate them.
The winner gets to pick the music in the car or push the garage button. It’s the little things.
7. Lower Your Expectations and Embrace the Chaos
This is the most important one, promise.
No routine, checklist, or perfectly prepped lunchbox will save you from the occasional (okay, frequent) morning mayhem. Some days you’ll crush it.
Some days you’ll forget it’s picture day and send your kid in a Paw Patrol hoodie with applesauce on the sleeve. It’s fine. You’re doing great.
Final Pep Talk:
You don’t need a color-coded chart or a sunrise yoga routine to win the morning.
You just need a few tools, a sense of humor, and enough coffee to survive until school drop-off.
So go forth, pour yourself a (hopefully warm) cup, and remember: “slightly less hellish” is a totally valid goal. And honestly? You’re nailing it.
