Chaos to Calm

"If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail." - Mark Spitz

The sun is just coming up over the horizon, the alarm clock ringing in the new day. The house comes alive as  everyone jumps out of bed and gets ready for the school day with a smile on their faces and not arguing to be heard. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, giving mom a needed energizing boost. Breakfast is enjoyable, making everyone excited for the day ahead. Backpacks are ready to grab as they run out the door giving mom a quick hug, off to conquer the world…at least for today. Mom sits down to enjoy the quiet and reflect on what a peaceful morning it's been.  

What I wouldn’t have given for mornings like that! With four kids to wake up and get ready before the bus came, my mornings looked more like a tornado! Alarms blaring, multiple wake up calls, grumpy kids pulling blankets back over their heads. The arguments about not having anything to wear while I’m looking at a closet full of clean clothes mixed in with the dirty ones laying on their bedroom floor. (I was so happy when their schools started requiring uniforms - who’s with me!)  Breakfast, if it even happened, was a muffin or maybe a bowl of cereal. Let’s not forget the made hunt for last night's homework, a missing shoe, or even the backpack! Tempers rise, stress levels soar as the clock seems to move even faster! Finally, without a moment to spare, they rush out the door leaving a trail of chaos in their wake! I would sit there, exhausted, before the day had even begun.

As a seasoned mom with a bit of experience in the “getting ready” department, I finally hit on some habits that gave most mornings a smoother start. Most I still use! Today, I’m happy to share some of these invaluable lessons with you. Hopefully these routines and habits will be game-changers, paving the way for successful school years to come. So, let’s dig into these tried-and-true habits that can change your days from chaos to calm.  

EVENING ROUTINES

I know, you’re probably thinking, “Why on earth are you starting with evening time, Faith?” Personally, I believe that preparing for the next day before I go to bed makes all the difference in the world! Here are some of the most important night time habits that can  help make mornings run more smoothly: 

GETTING CLOTHES LAID OUT THE NIGHT BEFORE: Imagine waking up and not having to decide what you’re wearing. I don’t know about you, but thinking, let alone making a decision, is out of the question for this tired brain early in the morning. I know, as a homeschooler, my granddaughter doesn’t face this dilemma often, but when we are running out of the house early in the morning, she gets her outfit - clothes, shoes, & jewelry - laid out the night before. 

MAKE SURE BACKPACKS ARE READY TO GO: One of the easiest habits to start with is to make sure all homework, any signed papers/permission slips (my kids missed a field trip or two because permission slips were left at home), and any extra supplies they may need are packed and ready to go. Put everything in their backpacks AS SOON AS they finished their homework. We had a spot by the front door where they placed their backpacks to grab on the way out in the mornings. 

MAKE LUNCHES THE NIGHT BEFORE: Make lunches the night before. It can be great mom time after dinner for littles. Older kids can be responsible for getting their own lunches ready. The lunches are easy to grab out of the fridge when getting breakfast.

BEDTIME AND SLEEP

You know what every parent dreams of? Peaceful nights and well-rested kids! Sometimes, getting our little ones to sleep soundly is no easy feat! I'm no expert, but from my own personal experience, I know a good night's sleep can do wonders for their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. So, let's dive into some  simple and effective practices that will have your children snoozing like angels in no time!

Establish a Consistent Bedtime: Set a regular bedtime and stick to it, even on weekends. Consistency helps regulate the body's internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Set Limits on Screen Time: Avoid using electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. If they use a phone or tablet to listen to music, make sure to move the device far enough away so the screen isn’t a distraction.

Limit Fluid Intake Before Bed: To minimize nighttime awakenings for bathroom trips, limit fluid intake in the evening, especially right before bedtime. Not a bad rule for any of us to follow.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Wind down before bed with calming activities such as reading a book, practicing deep breathing exercises or taking a warm bath. Try adding an essential oil like Lavender to the bath. Lavender has calming properties that can promote relaxation and a sense of tranquility. 

Make a Bedtime Spray: Create a DIY bedtime spray by combining a few drops of cedarwood and vetiver essential oils with water in a spray bottle. Mist the spray lightly on your child's pillow and bedding to create a comforting and sleep-inducing environment.

By incorporating these habits into your child's nightly routine, you can create a peaceful and restful sleep environment that supports healthy sleep patterns and overall well-being. Adding the power of essential oils into your child's nighttime routine can enhance their sleep environment, promote relaxation, helping to create an atmosphere conducive to a good night's rest. Remember, consistency is key, so make these habits a part of their bedtime ritual for the best results. Sleep tight!

MORNING ROUTINES

Now that you’ve set the morning up to run a bit smoother, here are some ideas for a more peaceful morning. 

MAKE YOUR BED: Making your bed, even quickly, gives you a small sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning. I can’t think of a better way to start the day. Even littles can pull the blankets up. 

MAKE BREAKFAST QUICK AND NOURISHING: Having quick healthy choices for the kids to grab makes mornings so much easier. Yogurt with some granola and fresh fruit is quick, easy, and a better choice than those sugar laden cereals decorating the grocery aisles. 

GRATITUDE: Now that running around looking for lost things isn’t an issue, there’s time to slow down a bit. Starting your day with gratitude can have a serious influence on overall well-being and mindset. Expressing gratitude can  help shift your focus towards the positive aspects of life, fostering a sense of contentment and joy. 

It took me too many years to figure this one out. But once I did, my mornings were more like the first scenario I mentioned at the beginning. Most days, while you didn’t actually hear angels singing, it sure felt like they were. It was so much nicer to start the day nice and relaxed versus stressed from the time my feet hit the floor.

Creating habits and routines for your family doesn't have to be a daunting task. But, taking small steps and incorporating these simple yet powerful habits into your day, night, and bedtime, you'll pave the way for a successful school year and a happier, more peaceful household. Remember, it's all about finding what works best for your unique family dynamic and making it your own. Embrace the journey, cherish the moments, and savor the joy of watching your children thrive. Here's to many more days filled with laughter, learning, and endless possibilities! You've got this, mom!