Week One of 2011 is over. How did you manage? Did you set goals for yourself? Did the week feel any different for you?
We made a few changes and I can tell a difference in our family in one week already.
Last year, when I would get my kids up for school, I’d wait until the last possible minute to jump out of bed, get the kids up and we’d rush through the obstacles to get ready – dress fast, eat fast, make lunches, pack backpacks and GO, GO, GO!
This year (all 5 days of last week), I decided to try something different. I set my alarm earlier. What a concept! Last week, we had no stressful mornings. We were all able to spend a few minutes waking up, cuddling together, and those of us who needed showers took them. I managed a shower every single morning last week, and that in itself was an amazing feat!
Not once did I hear, “I don’t want to go to school today.” Not once did I hear groans about getting up, or complaints that they were too tired. This was also because along with our new plan of getting up earlier, we’ve made it a plan to settle in at night a bit earlier (me included – no more after-midnight bedtimes for me!).
It really made a difference for all of us last week. I just hope as we move into Week Two and beyond, I can keep up with this momentum. I like having a happy well-rested family. Heck, I like being happy and well-rested!
Have you tried anything new to your routine in 2011 that you’re excited about?
I HAVE to wake up earlier, because I’m a bit of a slow-starter… need coffee, a little news, list-making, then I can start my day peacefully. You’re so right– it does make a difference!
Snow day today, so I’ll be thinking through and blogging about my 2011 goals. Not a good sign that it’s already the 10th of the month, though LOL!
Heidi, I kinda miss those snow days! I hear that Atlanta has been having like four in a row now!
So did it work for week 2 for you also? Just wondering. We got out early Friday for the morning drop. Only 5 minutes earlier instead of the 10 I wanted. But you are so right. Being earlier is so less stressful! (Especially because so many parents don’t know how to “dump and go” on the morning drop. But don’t get me started on that!!!)
So far we are still doing good! We are managing morning-time snuggles too. Although sometimes in the a.m. one of the kids might have to make a you-know-what which then causes a delay in getting us to school in time, but well, we can’t help when nature calls! hahah