I’m not a morning person, so the idea of rolling out of bed and preparing food first thing, is not a the top of my list. Generally I like to meander into the kitchen, put on the coffee, check my email. Take it slow.
Well, we all know that with kids, regardless of what time you get up, generally the morning rush is a little chaotic. Therefore, in an effort to maintain my easy-going-attitude in the morning, I’ve “organized” a few things so I can drink my coffee in peace, but still greet my children at the kitchen table and see them off to school.
Once I realized that my kids were capable of accomplishing particular tasks, it was then that I realized I could just make sure they had on hand what was need AND they could assemble their lunches. Why does this come as a suprise? Many people may think, well why didn’t you just tell them to do that?? Well, because I may be organized, but I’m still a mom and the guilt runs high with me…guilt over what, you may ask? Oh, just about anything. The fact that I had to take away my daughter’s cell phone because she’s never happy with the number of text messages I allow give her. That’s just on example. In all seriousness, I want the best for my kids, I want to coddle them, take care of them, nurture them, but it’s WEARING ME OUT! So out of shear exhaustion and frustration of not having help, I delegated the task of making lunch to my kids–the ones who will eat it!
So here’s you can get organized to help your kids make their own lunch:
1. Designate a storage spot for lunchboxes so they don’t “live” on the kitchen counter when at home.
2. Post a checklist on the refrigerator of what your child needs to include. For example, sandwich, piece of fruit, snack, drink, utensil (if needed), and water bottle.
3. Store refrigerated items in one container for them to choose from. For example, cut up carrots and celery and put them in individual baggies so the kids can grab one and put it in their lunchbox. Put other items like yogurt and string cheese.
4. Use baskets to hold non-perishable snacks and put the baskets where they can reach them.
Devise a system that works for best for you and your kids. Here are a couple of things I also do that helps slow down the morning rush…
- The Magic Happens at Night–Before the kids go to bed, I make sure all school-related paperwork has been signed (if there is any), gear is by the front door, all coats/hats/mittens are returned to their home so we are not searching high and low the following morning AND the kitchen table is set for breakfast (cereal boxes and bowls, spoons, and napkins).
- Reporting for Duty – This may sound harsh (and it felt that way at first), but in order to make sure there wasn’t any dilly dallying, instead of my children meandering down for breakfast then getting dressed, I changed the rules! Everyone (except for me, ha ha) needs to be dressed, including shoes, before eating breakfast. That way, the only thing left to do is make their lunch and brush their teeth.
How do you slow down the morning rush in your home? Please share.
Also, if you’re not a blog follower, sign up. Soon I’ll post a follow up to this entry on creating a litterless lunch.
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