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Dear Subscriber First Name, When my boys were little, I remember the jolt of going from our own leisurely pace in the mornings—sometimes heading to classes, sometimes transitioning to the babysitter at home so I could get to work—to suddenly needing to be at preschool on time. It felt like a rude awakening for all of us. What used to be mornings where I could set the pace (we could roll in late to swim class, right?) suddenly turned into a race against the clock. The reality set in that if my kids were late to school, they’d actually be missing out on important parts of their day. And with that rushed feeling came meltdowns—sometimes from my kids, sometimes from me. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Starting school changes the entire rhythm of mornings, and it can feel overwhelming—for you and your child. The truth is, it’s not just about getting out the door. It’s about handling big transitions, time pressure, and the emotions that come with it. I’d love to share a few strategies that worked for me when my boys were little—and that I still recommend to families I work with. None of these will make mornings perfect (let’s be honest, that’s not the goal), but they can make them calmer, smoother, and sometimes even fun. Run a “night shift.” Fill water bottles, pack snacks, and set out clothes the night before. Even shoes by the door (or in the car already)! Morning-you will thank night-you. Pick outfits in advance. Try laying out clothes for the whole week on Sunday night—or just do the next day. Either way, it cuts down on decision fatigue (for both of you). Create a “first bite basket.” A small basket of easy, grab-and-go foods (fruit, yogurt pouches, mini muffins) that takes the edge off early morning hunger while you finish getting ready. My kids used to call this “first breakfast” and "second breakfast”. Add music to your routine. Try a get-ready playlist. Each song cues the next step—song 1 for dressing, song 2 for breakfast, song 3 for shoes. Structure without nagging. Make it visual. A simple chart with pictures of the morning routine (brush teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, shoes on) helps kids know what’s coming next and helps them rely on you less. Start with connection. A silly handshake, a piggyback ride down the hall, or a minute of snuggles before you get moving. Sometimes kids melt down because they need a little more you. Build in a buffer. Aim to be ready 10 minutes earlier than you actually need to be. That way, if there’s a last-minute meltdown, lost shoe, or spilled milk, you’re not already behind. Have a “go-bag.” Keep essentials (wipes, hair ties, granola bars) in a small bag near the door. That way, you can handle the last-minute needs on the go instead of scrambling. Gamify the routine. Race against the timer, pretend to be superheroes getting ready for a mission, or play “beat the clock.” A little play can shift the mood fast.
The point isn’t to get rid of every morning struggle—it’s to find little hacks that take the edge off, give your child more independence, and help everyone get out the door with a little more calm. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your village and I hope to see you at an upcoming workshop soon! Warmly,
Gia Gambaro Blount
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