Her Secret -- Less Hectic Mornings

Here are a few tips to make your mornings less hectic:

1. If you are always searching for your keys or glasses each morning, place them somewhere so that it becomes a habit. Pick a place that makes logical sense- by the back door for keys, the nightstand for eyeglasses or a purse or wallet. It may take a couple of weeks to train yourself to hang up the car keys as soon as you walked in the house.

2. Have a specified spot for items that you need to take with you. The key is to pick a very visible spot for everyone. This helps all members of the household to be of assistance to each other. If someone becomes so distracted in the morning that they still don't see the big pile of papers in the kitchen, someone else will surely notice the spot and remind them. By choosing a very specific spot, everyone gets used to checking that area and being aware if someone hasn't 'claimed' something from the spot. Mentally run through your activities for the next day. Re-enact every class, every appointment, phone call, et cetera, that must be accomplished. Think if there is anything extra that is needed to be taken the next day. If so, put it in the specified area the night before. Ask your family members to do the same. A good time to do this is right after supper when everyone is still together and before everyone becomes distracted with other things. This also makes it easier for you to help them to remember to do this each evening.

3. Make sure everyone lays out their entire outfit for the next morning all the way down to underwear, matching socks and shoes. Do this at least a couple of hours before bedtime. Again, right after supper is a good time. This gives everyone time to iron clothing, wash a load of clothes, or whatever needs to be done to have a complete and perfect outfit the next morning.

4. Simply take your "I can't forget this" item and pair it with an essential item that you need for the next day. For example, if you always keep your eyeglasses by the nightstand, place them on top of the important papers or book or whatever. Then when you put on your glasses in the morning, take the important item straight out to the car first thing or put it in a place where it won't be missed as you go out the door.

5. Always have on hand items that can be eaten on the way to work or school. Granola bars, bagels, and fruits are good options to keep in your pantry at all times.