Give yourself, and your children, the gift of a peaceful morning.  At one time or another, we have all experienced the stress of being late in the morning, rushing our children out the door, and occasionally losing our patience. Sometimes it’s hard for both parent and child to go our separate ways feeling good and ready to take on the day after a frantic morning. I know I have had my fair share of chaotic mornings. And over time, I find this can deplete our self-esteem and wear on our relationship with our kids. Following are some tips to help your children start the day empowered by your grace, calm, and patience. I can’t say I follow through with all these tips every day, but when I do, it works!

1.   When you wake up, even before your feet touch the ground, take a moment to set an intention that your day be filled with grace, ease, and flow.

2.   Prepare the night before. Anything that can be done the night before is best done, well, the night before!  Lay out clothes and pack backpacks. Know what you will make for breakfast and set the table. And pack as much of your child’s lunch as you can in advance. Finally, have any instruments, athletic gear, homework, and permission slips ready to go. Depending on their age, teach your kids to prepare the night before by helping, or reminding, them to complete these responsibilities.

3.   Shower and/or get dressed before your kids get up. Most of the time it’s worth losing the extra 15 minutes of sleep–especially if you have little ones who stay home as it will still be hard to get in the shower even once your older kids have left for school. Not only will a shower wake you up, but you’ll feel better about yourself and more organized.  It’s so easy as parent with young children to find you’re still in your Pajamas at noon!

4.   Get up early. Set your alarm to so you have twice as much time as you think you need until you figure out your routine.

5.   Stay calm. Try to avoid rushing your kids. It’s helpful to encourage them to be aware of the time by letting them know “we have fifteen minutes before it’s time to get in the car…” However, even though you’re watching the clock you can still stay present.

6.   Limit distractions. Avoid TV, email, or phone calls in the morning. While your kids get dressed, try to have breakfast on the table so they come straight to breakfast and don’t get sidetracked playing.

7.   Communicate your expectations the night before. Prepare your children by reminding them that the next day is a school morning and on school mornings there’s a routine.

8.   Sometimes the unavoidable happens. If you know you are going to be late and can’t change it, then just let it go and embrace being late. Be a role model about how to handle frustration and life’s little ups and downs. It’s far better that you’re late and happy than on time and grumpy. It’s not worth it to lose your patience over a few minutes when chances are you will regret it and your children will feel “off” throughout their day as well. Keep in mind, it’s more important to be centered with your children, than to be on time.