Confession: I am NOT a morning person. I never have been, and never will be. Unfortunately - morning person or not - once you have kids, you have no choice BUT to become a morning person.
Mornings can be hectic as it is, but add twins to the mix and it's a whole other ball game. Juggling multiple tasks while trying to get everyone ready for the day can feel overwhelming to say the least - I often feel as though I've lived a whole lifetime by the time I get back from the school drop off at 8:30am!
Over time I've learnt that, with a bit of planning and some practical hacks, it is possible to have calm - if not enjoyable - mornings, even while juggling multiple children. Here are some morning routine hacks for twin moms (and moms in general) that I've found helpful. Hopefully they'll help help you start your day smoothly and efficiently, too!
Prepare the Night Before
I NEVER go to bed before I've packed lunchboxes, checked that uniforms are laid out and sports or PE kits packed, and school bags are packed and waiting at the backdoor. These seem like such quick, easy tasks, but before you know it, you're running 10 minutes late and fishing used PE shorts out of the wash because you can't seem to find a clean pair.
There is no doubt: preparation is key to a successful morning. Taking a few minutes each evening to set up for the next day can make a world of difference.
Tips
- Lay Out Clothes: Choose and lay out clothes for both yourself and your kids the night before. This eliminates the morning scramble and helps your children get dressed quickly - especially if your kids have strong opinions about what they wear, like my Twin A! By picking out the twins' outfits with them the night before, I set us up for a much smoother start to the day come morning.
- Pack Bags: As I mentioned above, I pack school bags and sports bags with everything needed for the next day the night before. This includes snacks, water bottles, extra nappies, wet wipes, and any necessary supplies.
- Prep Breakfast: Prepare breakfast options in advance. Overnight oats, smoothies, and pre-cut fruit are quick and nutritious choices that can save you time in the morning. My twins also love Futurelife and Weetbix, so often I'll set these out on the counter ready for the next morning.
Create a Morning Schedule
Having a structured routine helps both you and your twins know what to expect each morning. A consistent schedule can reduce stress and ensure that everyone stays on track. I have a running 'morning to-do' list on my phone where I tick off each task as I go. These are as basic as: get dressed, do skincare, do hair and makeup, feed kids, dress boys, etc. Having these items in list format that I can check off prevents me from getting distracted and ensures that I don't forget anything. (I once forgot to feed the twins breakfast before I dropped them off at school. True story).
Tips
- Wake Up Early: Give yourself a head start by waking up 30 minutes before your twins. This quiet time allows you to get ready and mentally prepare for the day. I like to start my morning by journaling and planning for the day ahead - a task that's impossible to do once my twins are up and at 'em!
- Set Timers: Use timers to keep everyone on schedule. For example, set a timer for brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast. This creates a sense of urgency and helps prevent dawdling.
- Visual Schedule: Create a visual schedule with pictures for younger twins. This helps them to understand the morning routine and gives them a sense of ownership and allows them to follow along more easily. I recently got my three-year-old twins a WEEKLY planner from Little Dream Big, and I've found that this simple addition to our morning routine has helped our mornings run so much smoother! Each planner comes with an assortment of magnetic tiles that can be used to plan out your week ahead. Each morning, my boys are responsible for checking their planners and following along: so, first we make our beds, then we have breakfast, followed by brushing our teeth, and so on. The sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction that comes along with taking ownership of their mornings is a beautiful thing to see! Little Dream Big have also just launched a DAILY planner. You can visit their website, here, or follow them on Instagram, here.
Streamline Your Morning Tasks
Simplifying your morning tasks can save valuable time and reduce stress.
Tips
- Keep Essentials Accessible: Organise your home so that essential items like shoes, jackets, and bags are easily accessible. Use hooks, bins, and shelves to keep everything in its place. For example, we place school bags and shoes at the door in the evenings so that they're easy to grab as we leave the house.
- Minimise Choices: Reduce decision fatigue by limiting choices. For example, offer your twins two options for breakfast or two outfits to choose from. This makes decision-making quicker and easier, and helps to prevent tantrums as you're trying to head out the door.
- Batch Activities: Batch similar tasks together. For instance, have both twins brush their teeth at the same time or get dressed simultaneously, if possible. This helps you manage time more effectively.
- Cut corners where possible: I'll often let my twins sleep in tracksuit pants and/ or a long-sleeved t-shirt that they'll be wearing the next day. This helps to minimise time getting dressed the next morning - plus it saves on laundry!
Engage Your Twins
Involving your twins in the morning routine can make them feel more responsible and help things run more smoothly.
Tips
- Assign Simple Tasks: Give your twins age-appropriate tasks, like putting on their shoes, helping to set the table for breakfast, or carrying their bags to the door.
- Make It Fun: Turn routine tasks into fun activities. I like to sing songs to my twins while brushing their teeth and getting dressed, and we often have a race to see who can put on their shoes the fastest.
- Offer Choices: Empower your twins by giving them choices. Let them choose between two breakfast options or two outfits. This can reduce resistance and make them more cooperative.
Stay Flexible
Even with the best planning, mornings can sometimes go awry. Staying flexible and maintaining a positive attitude can help you navigate unexpected challenges.
Tips
- Have a Backup Plan: Have backup options for breakfast and clothing in case your twins change their minds or there’s a spill. Keep a stash of easy-to-grab snacks and extra clothes on hand. I have been known to give my kids muffins or bananas on the drive to school when we're running late and don't have time for breakfast.
- Embrace Imperfection: Understand that not every morning will go perfectly. Give yourself grace and focus on the positives. Remember, a calm and happy mom sets the tone for a good day.
- Adjust as Needed: Be willing to adjust your routine as your twins grow and their needs change. What works today might need tweaking in a few months, and that’s okay.
Self-Care for Moms
I don't know about you, but I'm so tired of seeing the word 'self-care' bandied about. That said, I think we all need a little reminder that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your kids. A calm and centered mom can handle the morning rush more effectively.
Tips
- Morning Self-Care: Use the time before your twins wake up for a quick self-care routine. This could include journaling, meditating, doing your skincare routine and applying makeup, enjoying a (hot!) cup of coffee, or simply taking a few deep breaths before launching headfirst into your day.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Whether it’s your partner, a family member, or paid help, having support can make a huge difference - especially as a twin mamma!
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Your energy levels directly impact your ability to manage the morning routine so be sure to eat a nutritious breakfast and stay hydrated. I'm guilty of skipping breakfast more often than not, but I always try to drink a glass of water before I have my morning coffee.
Even though mornings with four children can be challenging, I've found that preparing the night before, following a rhythm (with visual cues for the little ones), engaging my twins and involving them in our morning routine, and staying flexible help my mornings run a bit smoother.
Make sure that you find a routine that works for your family and helps you start the day on a positive note, and you'll be well on your way to mastering the morning rush with twins.
