Being a full-time working mom is like trying to manage a circus—only your clowns are cranky, your acrobats are school-age, and your lions are … well, let’s just say they’re usually hungry!
Having five children means mastering the art of organisation , especially during the evening chaos when you’re gearing up for the next school day. Who knew getting a flock of kids to bed could turn into a competitive sport? Here are some of my best tips for surviving the bedtime hustle and the chaotic school morning routine.
1. The Evening Routine: Setting the Stage for Success
After herding the kids through dinner (which sometimes resembles a food fight more than a meal), it’s time to start the evening routine. Prepping for the next day is crucial!
Get Everyone Involved
Designate specific roles for each child. Your oldest can be in charge of packing the younger ones' school bags, while the next in line can handle the water bottles. Make it a game and reward them with extra screen time or as per my household snacks!
Lay Out Clothes Like a Boss
I find it’s helpful to put out everyone’s uniforms at the beginning of the week (Sunday evenings are great for this!). Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a last-minute “I can’t find my shirt!” meltdown.
2. Packing for Success: The Nightly Adventure
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Once everyone is asleep (or at least pretending to be), it’s time to tackle the packing game.
School Bags Are Ready to Roll
Get those school bags packed, and don’t forget the all-important after-school snacks! You can avoid “snack negotiations” in the morning by prepping mini snack bags ahead of time. I learned the hard way that “just a minute” always turns into a 20-minute quest for the right cereal bar.
Car Preparation is Key
The only thing I want to do in the morning is get washed and dressed. Getting everything else ready means zero early morning faffing. My car is basically an extension of my home—it has blankets, bags, coats, and snacks all lined up and ready to go. Sorry, kids, no time for last-minute surprises!
3. Morning Madness: Embracing the Chaos
Let’s talk about mornings. If you think the traffic in the morning is bad, try being stuck in it with kids!
Leave Earlier, Breathe Easier:
Hitting the road before the sun fully rises (and before the traffic starts to resemble a scene from a disaster movie) is a game changer. Of course, paying for the breakfast club is totally worth seeing fewer tantrums and more smiles when I drop them off. Who wants to start the day stuck in a gridlock discussing the merits of their favourite DVD?
In-Car Entertainment
Let’s face it, “Sibling Wars: The Car Version” is not a reality show anyone wants to star in. A strategic movie line-up and a quick discussion about car window rules can save you from chaos during that morning commute. Seriously, why must they fight over the air conditioning settings?
4. Dinner Planning: The Lifesaver
Dinner time can be just as daunting as the morning rush. The secret? Know what’s for dinner ahead of time.
Plan Your Meals like a Pro:
A weekly meal plan can save you from the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. Involve your kids in the planning process (trust me, they’ll love having a say) and prep as much as you can on Sundays. This method prevents the inevitable “I don’t want that!” protests right before dinner. Spoiler: it never ends well.
5. Embrace the Pear-Shaped Moments
Let’s be real—sometimes, things go pear-shaped. Like the time I packed the wrong bag in the car for my 6-year-old, leading to a full-on meltdown at the school drop-off. You’d think I’d taken away his teddy bear instead of just forgetting his favourite blue school bag, which apparently holds the key to his entire universe. Picture me, desperately trying to reason with a kid who’s convinced his day is ruined because he didn’t have his favourite pencil case!
And then there was that unforgettable morning when we completely forgot to do my 9-year-old daughter’s hair and didn’t realise it until we arrived at school. As we were walking through the gates, she suddenly turned to me, wide-eyed, and said, “Mom! My hair!”
In that moment, I could practically hear the dramatic music playing in the background. There we were, standing in front of the school, she was distraught over her wild mane that looked like it had its own life. I attempted a quick fix right there at the gates, but let’s just say my efforts were about as successful as trying to tame a lion! We laughed it off, but I’ll forever be haunted by the image of my poor girl strutting into school with hair that could star in a horror movie!
Ah, the joys of motherhood!
But remember: you’re not alone. Every mom has those days, and they make for the best stories later. Embrace the chaos, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself.
Final Thoughts
Being a full-time working mom with five children is an adventure filled with ups and downs, laughter, and plenty of “learning opportunities.” With a little organisation, teamwork, and preparation, you can conquer the chaos and make your mornings smoother.
So raise your coffee cups high, fellow moms, because we’re in this together! Here’s to mastering the art of juggling family, work, and a little bit of sanity amidst the delightful circus that is motherhood!
FiveKidsOneMom ✌🏼
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