Parenthood is a whirlwind of love, joy, and, let’s be honest, a bit of an organized chaos. One lesson that has stood the test of time for us, from the moment we brought our first baby home to the teenage years, is this: prepare the night before. It’s a simple habit, but the peace it brings to mornings is nothing short of magical.
Here’s why this tip has been my lifesaver and how it can work for parents at any stage:
Mornings in a busy household can feel like a race against the clock. By preparing the night before as much as possible, you create a calm starting line rather than stumbling into chaos. Picture this: the living room is tidy, the kitchen is spotless, and there’s no mystery about where the swimming gear is hiding. A clear, clean space means a clearer, calmer mind, for you AND your little ones.
The dishwasher rule
One of my golden rules: always empty the dishwasher the night before. Mornings are hectic enough without having to deal with leftover dishes. When breakfast is over, everything goes straight into the dishwasher. No piles, no stress and you’re out the door in record time. If your kids can already do it, teach them to at least bring their plate and cup to the kitchen if they can’t yet put them in the dishwasher themselves. By making this a routine, they learn to help from an early age.
The breakfast table
Having the breakfast table ready (plates, cups and cutlery ready, bread or even toppings) gives the morning a different kind of start. Add pre-filled water bottles and ready-made lunch boxes. Even if you can’t pack everything (think sandwiches that need to stay fresh), having snacks, fruit and non-refrigerated items ready to go makes a big difference. For example, we let the kids make their own after-school snack, they choose a piece of fruit and what cookies they want to eat the next day, and we let them prepare everything the night before.
Outfits and essentials? Check!
For little ones, this means laying out clothes (yes, socks too!) and preparing the diaper bag with everything you’ll need for the day. For older kids, it’s about ensuring backpacks, homework, and sports gear are packed and ready. Bonus: no more last-minute “Mom, I can’t find my math book!” or “That t-shirt is not right!” shouts at 7:45 a.m.
A routine that grows with your family
From burp cloths and bottles for newborns to lunch boxes and signed permission slips for teens, this habit grows with your family. The beauty is that it teaches children to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary stress, a skill they will take with them as adults. This routine helps us save a lot of time in the morning and gives peace of mind, but best of all, it helps us sit at the table together for breakfast, something that is very important to us. No screen time, just a good start to a good day.
Lots of love,
Sarah
