Here’s How I Make School Mornings a Little Easier

There’s something to be said about the parent[s] who get their kids out the door for school, dressed and ready for work themselves, headed into the office after their little peanut walks through the pre-school doors. Here’s what I want you to know: I sit with awe and wonder how YOU PEOPLE can do that. HOW DO YOU LOOK PUT TOGETHER FOR SCHOOL DROP OFF AND THEN GO INTO AN OFFICE?! Sorry, I’m yelling because I’m asking for a friend here. SPILL YOUR SECRETS!

For the longest time school mornings have been nothing short of a war zone over here and for a few reasons:

• Someone forgot they had homework- and they want to tell their teacher the dog ate it- even though we do NOT have a dog.
• A uniform top, bottom, or shoes have been left at Dad’s house and he’s not awake for us to get it before the school day starts.
• Mom forgets about permission slips, the “right snack,” or water bottle, and then all HELL breaks loose. Yep, my kids go to a catholic school and I used the word hell… [where’s my coffee].
• It’s just really hard getting into a routine with one child, let alone 4. Throw in holidays, co-parenting, homework and sports, there’s really no explanation needed for the stress that comes with getting children out. the. door. 

While I might be looking to you for some ideas as to how to make our school mornings a little easier, it hit me THIS morning that there’s one habit Mom can implement that just takes the edge off of everyone in the AM: I wake up an hour earlier or an hour before everyone else. 

Now this is assuming I do not wake any of my children in the process [I still have a couple in my room at night]. Once Joey hears me get up, he usually rises as well. But he’s not the one screaming for butter and cereal and uniforms at 6am. I’ll give you 3 guesses as to which other 3 Serbinski’s act like that lol. 

Anyhow, waking up before the kids [especially on school mornings] has added a little boost to my day- mainly because I can make coffee, prep lunches, wash my face and do my little skincare routine, oh and get uniforms laid out- all before the butter screaming starts! I used to think I would be the Mom that prepped everything the night before, but at night I’m usually scratching backs, watching a game with the big boys, and likely falling asleep while snuggling with Lily. Nighttime prep is NOT for me. But apparently early morning wakeups are! 

Not a novel idea here. Just a friendly reminder to TAKE TIME FOR YOU. And yes, time for me these days looks like an early morning with a hot cup of coffee… 

Tell me: What makes your morning routine easier with kids?!