Insane morning rush - exhausted

[Anonymous]

I miss the days of waking up, having coffee, getting ready for work and walking out the door. For the past 8 years I have been running every morning from the minute I wake up until the minute I drop kids off and start work. Lunches, breakfast, backpacks, water, feed the dog, clean up all the dishes, get kids changed, etc. By 7:30am I am exhausted and the day hasn't even started! Just a vent post - I am so tired!

[Anonymous]

I understand! Can you do some things the night before? Pack backpacks, pack lunches, lay out clothes?

[Anonymous]

It gets better. My kids are 7 and 10 and they pick out their own clothes, get ready (brush teeth, brush hair, get dressed, etc), and pack lunches with minimal supervision. I mostly do a checklist type supervision (e.g., water bottle packed?) before we head out the door. They know that if they, say, forget their library books on library day, so be it.

[Anonymous]

OP here - we get clothes laid out the night before so we aren't arguing in the morning, but the lunches need to be made morning of since usually its a hot dish (pasta or something) or a sandwich that will get soggy if I make it the night before. On the weekends I try and make up a large batch of pancakes and bacon but some days the kids want scrambled eggs or something and I need to make that then clean up that mess. I know it will get better and this is the season of my life it is just exhausting to start the day of work already having done 50 things!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - we get clothes laid out the night before so we aren't arguing in the morning, but the lunches need to be made morning of since usually its a hot dish (pasta or something) or a sandwich that will get soggy if I make it the night before. On the weekends I try and make up a large batch of pancakes and bacon but some days the kids want scrambled eggs or something and I need to make that then clean up that mess. I know it will get better and this is the season of my life it is just exhausting to start the day of work already having done 50 things!

Do yourself a favor and stop catering to this stuff. Simple sandwiches that can make it overnight. Frozen Belgian waffles with microwaved sausage for breakfast. Just say no to the requests that are causing the chaos.

[Anonymous]

Do they take the bus? That changed our entire mornings once they started riding the bus instead of me dropping then off and picking them up. Lunches are made the night before and they are responsible for packing their own lunchbags. It's gets better!

[Anonymous]

This is exhaustingz i hear ya OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do they take the bus? That changed our entire mornings once they started riding the bus instead of me dropping then off and picking them up. Lunches are made the night before and they are responsible for packing their own lunchbags. It's gets better!

OP - yes they take the bus but I need to walk them to the bus stop every morning. They are too young to go by themselves. So walk up and back every morning, on top of everything else.

[Anonymous]

So what if they eat soggy sandwiches and cold pasta? My kids do and they're fine.

[Anonymous]

Make the pasta beforehand and reheat in the microwave. Your 8 year old can feed the dog. Stop catering to your kids for breakfast. They can have what you have ready or they can have something simple like cereal. You've created the reason why you're exhausted.

[Anonymous]

I'll never understand parents who create the reason for their exhaustion and annoyance and then complain about it.

[Anonymous]

It's okay to let them buy school lunches once in a while.

[Anonymous]

Weekend breakfasts include eggs, etc but during the week, they get something they can take in the car like a granola bar.

[Anonymous]

I hate making sandwiches. I find it’s easier to microwave left overs, and then boil water and let it sit in a thermos for 5-10 minutes. Transfer microwaved left overs into the thermos. Have little packs of snacks - almonds, cookie. Have cut-up veggies or fruit in the fridge. Are you married? My DH takes care of the dog in the morning so that helps. To some degree, the morning rush can’t be completely avoided, but I agree with others that kids become self sufficient so you’ll do less for them. Except tell them to hurry up! Lol

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - we get clothes laid out the night before so we aren't arguing in the morning, but the lunches need to be made morning of since usually its a hot dish (pasta or something) or a sandwich that will get soggy if I make it the night before. On the weekends I try and make up a large batch of pancakes and bacon but some days the kids want scrambled eggs or something and I need to make that then clean up that mess. I know it will get better and this is the season of my life it is just exhausting to start the day of work already having done 50 things!

Do yourself a favor and stop catering to this stuff. Simple sandwiches that can make it overnight. Frozen Belgian waffles with microwaved sausage for breakfast. Just say no to the requests that are causing the chaos.

I made most sandwiches the night before...I put condiments or tomato on the inside rather than on the bread. Small rolls are better than bread too. Why not make pasta the night before and microwave in the am? No high prep breakfasts. Make a menu. Mondays pancakes, Tuesdays, yogurt whatever. Let the kids make up the menu. You did not say how old your kids are but they can do simple breakfasts at a young age.