I'm really bloody excited

[DueyCheatemAndHow]

After 4 years of parenting whilst working part time with every day being a different routine in the mornings we have really struggled. Everything is chaotic. We (DS 4 and DD 2) have a loose running order of breakfast, get dressed, clean teeth but there is no concrete time for breakfast (anywhere from 6.30 to 7.30) then they sometimes get dressed in the kitchen, sometimes in the living room.

Its chaotic and messy and sets us up badly. Bedtime is totally routine apart from which parent cleans which teeth. Morning needs to change. I have quit work and DS starts school next month.

So. Tomorrow morning:

7 am - breakfast. Then straight to teeth clean (downstairs cos they have a step). Then upstairs to DD's room where they get dressed for bed. DS gets his clothes (I've already laid them out). They both get dressed in DD's room with my help.

Then, and only then, does the TV go on.

I feel like I've just seen the light.

I don’t know if this will help or not but dentists say it’s always best to brush before breakfast - could that add any simplicity?

Great thanks, I'll swap that (that's going to be a big change!)

😊

I feel so stupid that I've never properly nailed this down. Working PT (leave the house at 6.45 when I have been working 3/4 days a week) hasn't helped.

No tv in the morning might help. We had to ban it because it just added to the chaos

I never allowed tv in the morning - switch the plug off so they can’t sneak it on.

I had mornings down to half an hour with 3 kids.

Pack bags the night before - so they have everything they need.

We have Tv time, but they don't go downstairs until they're dressed, then down for breakfast, teeth and then shoes on and TV time whilst I get ready.
Bags are all done, they get their lunch boxes out the fridge an put that in their bag whilst I make breakfast, but that's only now mine are a bit older. None of us could cope with a stressful morning.

TV is the only thing that calms my kids, so 2bh I don't mind it if it keeps us calmer but only when they are totally ready.

DS is currently having a total meltdown at the idea of teeth cleaning before breakfast. Great

Could you do some picture cards and walk them through it like a timeline of what is going to happen in what order?

Well... it went OK! 40 mins all told but they were both great once they worked it out.

Fingers crossed we can embed this.

You didn't quit work to work on your morning routine?!

Good luck OP. But I am curious as to why you've quit work...

I always get mine dressed first and no TV until fully ready. My youngest is older though so might be tricky with mess.

Ha no. I've quit work because we've moved and my commute became unsustainable. So now it's me in the mornings rather than me or the nanny (who did things differently to me) so I feel like now is easier to get into a proper routine. I feel guilty that we haven't managed it sooner.