The morning rush at home

CEBU, Philippines — In almost everything, planning is important. Even the customary ordeals like the early morning pandemonium at home, when everyone is hurrying to leave, can be put to order. It is quite a challenge, yes, but it can be done. Parents only need to take the lead.

First of all, try to analyze your morning routine. Time magically runs so fast in the morning. Spot the time wasters and think of ways to improve the situation. Time yourself performing various morning tasks. Decide which activities are really essential and which can be rescheduled at a later time or eliminated altogether. For instance, if you love a long shower, consider taking it at night before bedtime instead. Encourage the kids to bathe before bed, too.

Get everyone at home into the habit of picking up after their own mess. Even small kids can be taught the habit of cleaning up after themselves, especially before retiring for the night. Emphasize the benefit of waking up to an orderly house, where no one has to waste time cleaning up or going around finding things amid the clutter, at the height of the morning rush. As soon as they are done with their class assignments after dinner, let the kids prepare beforehand what they’ll wear the following day.

With the school kids, see to it that tomorrow they come downstairs dressed and ready to go. They should also have their school things properly packed and placed by the front door before coming to the breakfast table. If your kids have the habit of dillydallying at breakfast, let them come down 15 minutes or so earlier so they – and you – won’t feel rushed.

For quick breakfasts, alternate instant noodles and oatmeal with full meals of rice, fish, poultry or meat. Instant noodles nowadays come enriched with vitamins, while oatmeal is known to be healthy and filling. These cook in two to five minutes and are a favorite of most kids. Throw in a glass of milk and the kids’ favorite fruit to complete the set for an energizing start. But make sure that the whole family gets a variety of other food groups, especially vegetables, for a balanced diet.

If the children refuse eating breakfast, send their morning meal in a food box with them to school. Hard-boiled eggs, a slice of cheese, a good sandwich and a fruit are easy to prepare and pack. Older kids can be taught to prepare their own lunch boxes as well as for the younger ones.

The weekend is a good time for training them how to do it. Thoroughly explain what makes a healthful lunch and show them simple steps to follow. They can practice by preparing lunch to take on a visit to a nearby park on Sunday after church. This is fun for the kids and they are sure to try to do well. And because they made the lunch themselves, the kids are more likely to eat without complaint. It’s also a good way for them to learn both nutrition and responsibility at an early age.

Likewise, school pocket money may be given to the kids the night before so you won’t have to worry about it as you crisscross the whole kitchen preparing breakfast. Or, better yet, have one of these empty mayonnaise bottles for each kid, accordingly labelled with their names, where you can put their money allowance for the day. In the morning they can just quietly pick their own bottles, and there’s no need for you to search for change at the last minute.

Try to get up an hour before the rest of the family. This will give you time to have your cup of coffee, plan your day’s activities, make a to-do list to leave to the househelp (if you have any) and to read the day’s newspaper. Most importantly, the best time for your morning prayer is before the frenzy begins.

For the busy working parents with small kids going to school, division of labor is a must. Distribute some tasks among the other members of the household; say your spouse or the older kids. In the morning, one parent can be making breakfast while the other oversees the kids in their morning routine.

And the older kids can assist their younger siblings to get ready. Children eight years old and older can already handle some degree of responsibility. Setting the breakfast table is an example.

At home as at work, teamwork can get any job done – fast and easy!