7 Ways to Make Your Mornings Less Stressful

How many times have you sent your family off in tears because everyone was scrambling to get out the door on time? We have 7 things you can try to increase the smiles and turn off the tears!

1. Establish a "launching pad" close to the door where you can keep things you need to get out of the door. This is where the backpacks, diaper bag, briefcase, umbrellas, gloves, car keys, and sunglasses are always placed so everyone knows where to go to grab the things they need to leave the house.

2. Tidy up for 15 minutes every night before you go to bed. For your kids, make it a game to see who can get their room picked up first then reward them with the front seat in the car the next morning. Adults can do a quick sweep of the common areas to tidy up for the next day.

3. Make school lunches the night before.

4. Select tomorrow's outfit the night before. This prevents long decision making and arguments to start the day. And don't forget to have everyone look for both shoes, belts, or hair ribbons so that no one has to hunt for them when time is running short in the morning.

5. No television in the mornings. It is easy to get engrossed in something on TV instead of getting dressed or eating breakfast.

6. Consider getting up 5 to 10 minutes earlier.

7. Consider leaving 5 to 10 minutes earlier. You may have to set your clocks ahead to achieve this goal!

Try all of these or just one and we think you mornings will go smoother. Beginning the day with a smile and happy thoughts increases the chances of your day ending the same way!