The Joyous Family

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5 Hacks for Leaving the House On Time (with or without kids)


I call it the SWAMP! I feel totally sucked in by all the things to do and left undone when I leave the house. Physically, it is like walking through water with weights on. I am pushing with my arms, my legs and my mind to just get out the door.  Don’t ask me anything I am focused!
 
Others used to excuse me- oh you have 2 young kids. NO folks I have been this way as long as I can remember. Unable to limit my activities
so I can be on time!on-time-through-the-swap
 
On time people have self limiting behaviors. They do the dishes before they leave but don’t throw in mopping the floor and putting away that last bit of laundry. I say to myself, if I just get it done now I won’t have to do it later. Or, here is a big lie, “I am just better in the morning.” Yes, that is it
 better in the morning, Ha!–yelling at the boys and shaming myself.  I feel rotten all day. Why do I want an organized house or shame?#
The best thing I ever heard was, if you want to see a clean house cut a picture out of a magazine and tape it to the fridge. We are living here and life is messy!
 
So, I am working on the self-limiting behavior.  I want to love my boys out the door and not be the swamp thing that chases them out hissing and yelling!

#5 Getting Ready Starts the Night Before

Pack Lunches
Find Shoes, Coats, Backpacks
Pick out clothes
Check homework to make sure no surprises
Moms do exactly what you tell your kids to do!

#4 GO TO BED

This applies to Mom’s too.  Like we say to our kids “it is harder to get up if you are tired.”getting out of the house on time

#3 Plan Extra Time

For the kid who just takes a bit to get going in the morning
For the one who needs to snuggle a bit after the alarm
For the last minute thing that will crop up
For finding the permission slip, mascara, or tooth brush
For You, MOM, to handle the text or email or phone call

#2 Write a backwards time line

7;50 in the Car
7:40 Put on Shoes and Coats
7:15 Breakfast
7:00 Dressing (with shoes)
6:45 Waking up
Mom, You are the key to this whole thing.  Do you need to start earlier with shower and makeup- put yourself on the time line.
Readjust timeline several times to get one that works.
A Time Line also lets you know if you are expecting just too much in the amount of time.  It helps with self-limiting.

#1 Work as a TEAM

Each person makes a contribution to a peaceful morning.  Talk with your children about how and when they would like to get to school.   How do they want to feel when they arrive?  Do they want time to play before the bell rings?  Do they need a few minutes of quiet?  What makes them feel happy and ready  to start the day?
Give them a reason to buy into project “On Time”.  What benefits do they see from being on time.  Have them list it.  Refer the list if they are having trouble moving in the morning.
My personal time issues are so bad I promised the kids lunch at Mac Donald’s, if we could do 8 days in a row.  Boy, that will keep you honest about your own time management issues.  They were rushing me!

Finally-Leave It!

Just leave.  Leave the room messy. Dishes in the sink.  Clothes in a pile.  If it is the difference between yelling and starting the day in peace, just leave it!leaving house on time

 

Remember June Clever Had a Script Writer!

Not all days will be perfect but, I promise you if you make an effort to get the whole family involved in the planning and the rewards of time management there will be more on-time days than not.  We can show grace to our children and ourselves on the days it all falls apart too.  We can also say no to the swamp!  Self limiting is the key to being on time!

Want More?

Queen of Procrastination and other Self Sabotaging Behaviors

Triggers is the book for you if being late also “triggers” a  deep frustration in you.  Buy it with the study guide! Practical help for everyday frustrations.

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Comments

  1. Linda Sikes says

    This is a terrific, practical plan! Any family who follows it will have much happier mornings.
    The MacDonald’s reward idea is sure to work and after success for 8 days the “night before habit” will be proven to work also. Great ideas! Yea, Gioia Family.

    Reply

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