A Busy Mom’s Guide to the Weekday Morning Routine
Every weekday morning is a race to beat the clock. For years I felt like I had to not only get myself put together for the day but also my kiddos. Sometimes, it was a source of anxiety and stress. Then when I went back to work full-time I knew we needed another plan. Once my family learned three easy habits our mornings became a breeze.
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Prep the Night Before
Anything that can be prepped the night before is a major time saver each morning. The kids and I now prep the following nightly:
- Lunches and snacks
- Bags/Backpacks
- Outfits (this is more me, ha!)
- Anything I need to drop in the mail the next morning
- If my mind is really full from the busyness of the day or my classroom I’ll even make a to-do list for the next day.
When my kids were little we would prep and set out all of the above items the night before and sometimes even make a small pile so nothing was forgotten. We also used to write a checklist of items and place it by the door to make sure nothing was left behind in the morning. This helped cultivate independence in the kids and it was a great visual reminder for them.
Live Stress-Free in the Morning
When I started working full-time I also started training my kids how to make their own breakfast. We bought them each an alarm clock too. After a few months of practicing and consistency they got pretty good at waking themselves up on time and making a simple breakfast.
Additionally, we started making a weekly breakfast casserole, muffins, and even sometimes pancakes. We found brands of pre-made frozen waffles, sausage sandwiches, and cereal that the kids really liked. It made breakfast prep a synch!
Now the kids are 15 and 12 years old and they are pros at getting up, and making their own breakfast.
For years I said to the kids, “We have stress free mornings.” and after committed consistency I can say that the mornings ARE indeed stress free. Sure from time to time someone sleeps in or something unexpected happens. But that is not the norm which is just the way we like it.
Mom’s Make-up Routine
I don’t spend ALOT of time and money on makeup. If I’m spending more than 10 minutes on makeup it’s a special occasion or event.
I have a few products that are my go tos each morning. I’ve jokingly timed myself for full face makeup and my record is 7 minutes. Can I get an AMEN?! Us mamas know we gotta be able to get ready quickly in the morning.
I’m not a beauty blogger or make-up pro so my best advice is to find someone you like on YouTube and start learning girl! I also have a few friends who are my resources for products.
Here is what I use ON THE DAILY. Again, if I’m going to spend over $15 on any beauty product it better knock my socks off. So everything here I HIGHLY recommend.
- NYX Sculpting palette 2. Tarte Highlight Palette 3. Tarte Blush 4.NYX Eyeshadow palette 5. Heliocare Fluid Cream 6. NXY eyeliner 7. Instant Age Rewind 8. Gimme Brow by Benefit 9. Lancome Eyelash Primer 10. Lights Camera Lashes Mascara
More Freedom and Less Stress
Feeling prepared to succeed the next day helps you get a good night’s sleep. Launching into the day without stress is important. Teaching your children healthy morning habits helps equip them to live with more freedom daily. My number one suggestion to any of these ideas is to commit to them with consistency for three months. You’ll be so happy you did because working to cultivate more freedom and less stress in your life is ALWAYS worth it.
With hope for you and your intentional home,
