In most houses mornings are the busiest of times, especially on a weekday. No one seems to have the time to look at the golden sun rising from the sky or even to stand and stare at the innocent face of the sleeping child. Everyone is in a hurry. But with a little planning you too can enjoy a peaceful morning.
Set aside half an hour the previous night
Just before going to bed spend the last half hour getting your things ready for the next day. Kids should pack their bags after checking their timetables. Stick a copy of the school timetable on the wall, so it makes it easier for children to organize their books. Even clothes that have to be worn the next day should be ironed the previous night, and hung up, ready to be worn. This will put an end to nerve-racking experiences of searching for a tie when you're getting late for a meeting.
Polish shoes and keep them ready on the shoe rack.
Often children need to get something signed by their parents, and they do this at the last minute. Tell your children that all report cards or other circulars that require your signature should be handed over at night itself.
Lunch or other money should be given to the children at night. This will greatly reduce the problem of looking for change when the school bus is honking!
Get the kitchen ready
Decide what's for breakfast the previous night itself, so if any preparation is required, it can be done the previous night. Tamarind can be soaked, dhal and rice can be measured and kept ready. Vegetables can be cut. Even the coffee maker can be filled with the required amount of water and coffee powder.
Set rules
Make it an absolute rule of thumb that the television cannot be turned on in the morning. Nothing can disrupt a morning like a child trapped in front of the idiot box. You could keep devotional music playing in the background.
Checklist
Keep a checklist of items that need to be taken on a day-to-day basis. This is especially important for children, who may need to submit a project the next day and forget to take it to school. Similarly, daily items like car keys, laptop, cell phone, house keys, sunglasses, medication if any etc can be added to this checklist.
If you still find yourself running late, don't try and get ready faster. Instead, set your alarm clock ten minutes in advance. This can make all the difference to your peace of mind. Once everything is organized, your mornings will be a breeze, and you may even find time to have a leisurely cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the beautiful morning with your spouse before you head out.
