Any person responsible for getting children ready for school or daycare and out the door every morning will tell you, at times, it can get really hairy.
There are so many moving parts of the morning routine. From brushing teeth, breakfast, packing lunch bags, getting dressed, these duties multiply based on how many children you have plus yourself. However the most important responsibility of every morning is making sure that your young children leave the house feeling loved, secure, and with their emotional needs met. Upholding the morning madness with connection and compassion can be really challenging, especially as the clock ticks down and any unplanned emotional event can delay catching the bus, being dropped off, and impending work schedules.
As a therapist and Mom of two young boys who works with Mothers daily, I've come to realize that the morning routine is a universal struggle. The pressure to get everyone out the door on time, while keeping spirits high and emotions in check, can feel overwhelming. Then add onto it the mental load of anticipating your child’s every need throughout the day, and it’s no wonder why so many Moms struggle. This morning madness has the ability to start everyone’s day in a heightened level of stress, leaving Mom filled with guilt as she separates from her babies for the day.
The truth is, a child would never choose to melt down over socks every morning just like a Mother would never choose to feel rushed and agitated every day.
It is a tremendous responsibility to send children into someone else’s care and just for a moment, it’s ok to recognize just how difficult the mornings can be. I know, because I’ve been there and this is some of my most effective strategies to tackle the morning madness and start to master a workable morning routine.
Stay Present, Not Rushed: It's easy to get caught up in the urgency of getting everyone out the door on time. However, you can only do the best you can do. Take moments to remind yourself of this, especially if the morning moments become stressful. Do your best to be mindful of time while not passing it on and give yourself benchmarks for what you need to have accomplished with your kids by when.
Connect Through Eye Contact and Hugs: One of the most important things to do as a parent is to connect with your children on an emotional level. Taking the time for eye contact and hugs can help little ones work through their emotions and feel more secure, even in the midst of a mid morning rush meltdown. Any way you try to get your child through the morning madness is going to take time.Whether that time is spent by you losing your cool or connecting before correcting will help dictate how you feel when the rush of the morning has passed.
Go into Solution Mode: Sometimes, the best way to deal with a difficult situation is to go into solution mode. This means being willing to do things you normally wouldn't, such as offering to go get donuts before school, just for the sake of sanity. Remember, the goal is to get everyone out the door feeling calm and collected, and sometimes that means making compromises.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the morning routine, it's important to remember that you're not alone.
Many Moms struggle with the same challenges.
By implementing these tips and seeking support from others, you can learn to navigate the morning madness without losing your cool.
For additional support, learn more about Clinical Parent Counseling so you can receive support for the morning madness and everything beyond in Motherhood. Schedule a Free consultation HERE
Comments