OT - Why am I always the latest when I start out early?

[PollyannaMom]

I used to be on time, honest. Even when DS was little. But somehow along the way, we've become that busy family flying out the door. This morning DS was still brushing his teeth when we heard the bus coming. (Thankfully, it turns around on our street, so he made it.) But we were up BEFORE the alarm rang today!

I've tried setting clocks earlier, but that was annoying - as certain ones (like the cable box) were still "right", and others were "adjusted".

And the same thing has been happening with bedtime. Now that it's lighter longer, the evening routine is creeping later and later.

What does everyone else do to stay on track when you DON'T have the motivation of a Disney ADR?

 

[dismom2-3]

I don't have a lot of advice for you, as I feel the same way! I was very worried about the school year this year, but we did adjust our routine a little, to get everyone out on time. We lay out clothes the night before, have the backpacks ready, jacket, shoes, all notes homework etc. signed, lunches packed except for an ice pack. We have it all sitting by the door. Toothbrushes in the powder room. We have only missed the bus once, and that was for a completely random thing happening, not due to our disorganization.
It has seemed to help, and we aren't perfect about that routine, but somehow taking all of the decision making out of the equation helped. It is kind of like being on auto pilot in the morning. I will be watching this thread to see if someone has some magic advice!

 

[RN4Babies]

I set the alarm clock 15 minutes earlier this year, and it's worked for us. DS17 "needs" 15 minutes to wake up in bed, moaning and groaning about school before he hits the shower. I have everything ready to go the night before so there's no last minute searching for permission slips, library books, packing of lunches, etc. etc. We have simple breakfast items the kids can make themselves (frozen waffles, peanut butter toast, yogurt, cereal, etc). DD8 gets up 45 minutes after DS17, and is always ready to go wayyyy before he is. Sticking to our regular bedtime routine helps too (dd8 is high functioning autistic, and needs routines). I set my cell phone alarm for 30 minutes before bedtime to give us time to read a story, brush teeth, etc.

 

[jennifer293]

My DD8 has to be at school by 7:45 am. We get up at 6:10am, it takes about 15 minutes for her to get out of the bed even with me in her ear saying silly things to try to wake her up, and trying to be quiet not to wake up DD4 since they share a room. She gets dressed on her own, but I have her clothes out and ready ( I still don't trust her sense of style..lol). IF she has gym that day I make her wear sneakers to school so that we don't forget to send them. I have the backpack, lunch, and notes or $$$ ready for her the night before. She eats and even has time to check on her webkinz online. I leave the house at 7:10am and she is at school by 7:20-7:30.

The only thing I can tell you is to get your day started about 30 minutes earlier than you really want to..it is hard to get used to, but so well worth the not rushing and the screaming fits!!

 

[DISNEYNV]

I hear you loud and clear! I am perpetualy late for everything and it's gotten worse since I've had children. I can get up three hours earlier than need be and still not make it on time. We have been late for preschool every day since the time change. My kids will not get to sleep at their usual times. I have a DD who us a big procrastinator and I am dreading next year when she HAS to be on time for Kindergarten! I need to get organized now or we will be in big trouble. I always joke about the kids being born to be late...DE was one week over due and DS was two weeks

 

[islangrl]

I am a huge procrastinator, and I used to be late for everything. Then DD #3 was born.
In order for all of us to make it on time to school/work/grandma's on time, I had to start waking up at least 45 min. before everyone else. Then I could get ready in peace and get my fix of caffeine.
I stay home now, but I still enjoy being dressed for the day, so I wake up 30 min. before everyone. By the time I have to wake all the kids up, I am wide awake and ready to "deal" with them.

Every thing is ready the night before. I start waking the oldest 2 up 15 min. before it is necessary, I turn on the lights and start talking to them just to get them stirring, give them 5 min. more and I come back, 2 min. later if they are still in bed, I steal the covers. This always works. The younger 2 always wake up on their own.
This is the order...clothes on, hair brushed, shoes on, eat breakfast, brush teeth. If every one is ready and we still have a few minutes then the T.V. can go on.
I used to have the T.V. on when I woke up, to hear the weather and stuff, but even the boring news was a total distraction to the kids and would derail our schedule.

Some days are tougher than others, but the 5 of us (DH is useless in the AM and has to go to work) are in the car by 7:40 EVERY morning.