The Tipping List

Back-To-School Bustle

Tips to make your mornings a breeze

-Michelle Kemper Brownlow

As school approaches, I dream of Carol Brady moments. The children are all smiling while quietly moving in a single-file line, one-by-one taking their brown bag lunch from the loving grip of their calm, smiling mother. Or in the Brady's case, Alice's loving grip.

Weekdays in my house my children are fighting, trying on outfits, scrambling for shoes, swallowing their breakfast whole and running out the door. No sooner does the sigh escape my lips and I hear, "Mom, we wanted to pack lunch today. Can you bring them to school?!" I wipe the sweat from my brow, pack lunches and drive to school in my PJs.

Here are some tips for keeping your sanity before the bus takes your children:

Lay Clothes out the Night Before
Having this large piece of the puzzle in place before their heads hit the pillow will add precious time to your morning schedule. But chances are, the Jonas Brothers tee that was perfect the night before is less than "burnin' up" the next day. For those finicky dressers, have them lay out two options each night.

Pre-pack Lunch
Keep packing lunch mindless by having loads of easy options on hand. Single-serving containers with healthy choices are a must-have. Applesauce, carrots and dip, small bags of pretzels, etc. allow you the freedom to pack lunch before your coffee perks. read more...