Balancing Work and Family: Avoid the Morning Rush

Virginia K. Molgaard
Family Life Specialist
Iowa State University Extension

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Are you frazzled when you finally arrive at work? Is your attitude at work and work performance affected by the a.m. chaos that occurs at home trying to get you and/or your family out the door to face another challenging day? If you feel you need some help with managing those crucial morning hours, why not look over these suggestions that provide advice for a morning without rushing?

Ten Bright Ideas For a Happier Morning

I. Start Going to Bed Earlier
It may take your body a few weeks to adapt to retiring earlier, but in the long run, it will be easier for you to rise at an earlier time.

II. Place All Items You Carry to Work in One Place
It's a good idea to place near the door your keys, briefcase, purse, school supplies, important papers and letters to be mailed. Keep a petty cash fund handy for all those times that a quarter, 80 cents or $1.55 is needed for school or a parking meter, work, etc.

III. Choose Clothing for the Next Day
Laying clothes out the night before or thinking about what you plan to wear is made easier by stocking your closet with clean matching separates. Morning dressing becomes hassle free.

IV. Pull Yourself from Your Pillow at Least 1-1/2 Hours Prior to Leaving for Work
A few minutes added to your morning preparation time can prevent frantic dressing, no breakfast, and forgotten tasks that need to be done before leaving.

V. Rise First and Dress before Waking Others
Time alone in the morning, without bumping into others or being interrupted, can be just what you need to get yourself together.

VI. Have Children Make Their Lunches
If mature enough, have children prepare their lunches to save you time and get them involved in food preparation.

VII. Encourage Spouse to Share in Morning Tasks
Have your spouse share morning tasks so that you don't bear all the responsibility.

VIII. Take Time for Breakfast
Set the breakfast table the night before - a good task for a younger child. Sit down for 15 minutes and eat a light, wholesome breakfast. If you're on the run, grab a piece of fruit, cheese and crackers, an enriched whole grain muffin, or a small filled sandwich. Eat while commuting.

IX. Set Your Clocks Ahead
It may be psychological, but having your clocks and watches set 5 to 10 minutes ahead can keep you on schedule.

X. Reward Yourself for Arriving at Work on Time
You'll be surprised how good you'll feel when you arrive at work, on time and relaxed! Sometime during the day, treat yourself to something you would not normally do: a leisurely bath, lunch with friends, or a new novel.

Head Start Morning Chart

Take a minute to think about all the activities that occur prior to leaving for work. Are your home activities distributed fairly among family members or rotated to prevent feelings of being in a rut? Using this chart, place a check mark indicating each person you think should do these jobs within your family. You may use more than one check mark for each job. All activities listed may not relate to your family. Check the items that are applicable and add others as necessary.

TASK	Mother	Father	Children	Others	(Specify)
1. Rising First
2. Preparing Lunch
3. Preparing Breakfast
4. Tidying-up Sleeping Areas
5. Caring For Clothes
6. Taking Out Garbage
7. Caring for Pets
8. Preparing For Dinner
9. Gathering Important Papers & Materials for the Day
10. Giving Out Money for Lunches and Other Expenses
11. Making a To-Do List
12. Transporting Children
13. Closing Up House
14. Other
15. Other

Just to compare what you would like with what is presently done prior to leaving home, use an X to indicate who actually does those jobs in your home. You can learn a lot by inviting others close to you to do this with you.