MORNING MADNESS

Is the morning routine at your house busier than a three-ring circus? Is the rush to help your kids bathe, dress, and find their homework leaving you feeling frazzled? Here are a few ideas for managing morning madness.

• For kids who are hard to awaken, try an alarm clock. Be sure it’s set each night, and place it across the room so they must get up to shut it off. Most children respond well to this new responsibility.
• Set the breakfast table and make lunches the night before. Keep menus simple; breakfast can be cereal or toast, fruit, and milk.
• Lay out clothes the night before. Avoid last-minute problems by checking often for loose buttons, rips, or stains.
• Set aside a place near the door for books, lunches, and homework. This saves on the time you would spend looking for a lost book or homework assignment.
• Take baths at night. It saves time and helps children unwind after a busy day.

Whatever routine you use, beat morning madness by staying organized. And be sure the children share in the responsibility.