Always Running Late? Strategies for a Calmer Mum Life

Rushing leaves us all frazzled and stressed. The biochemical effects on our bodies is high (think fatigue, weight gain, sleep problems, anxiety, lower libido).

When we run late we forget important tems, can't find the keys, get frustrated at our children's lack of speedy compliance and inevitably hit every red light on our route to where we need to be. Can you relate?

Uncovering the roots of rushing - where your perceived need to 'rush' is important. Often we have a unhelpful thought that drives and pushes us to do more. And be more. Often that thought tells us that we aren't enough unless everything is perfect. And that inner voice is relentless.

The truth is... rushing leads to burnout. Repeated burnout leads to dis-ease. We all know someone who was wearing too many hats, living on the fumes of an oily rag, and doing too many jobs who has been diagnosed with illness.

While it is helpful to do this deeper work with a therapist, sometimes we just want some practical can-do actionable strategies to help. Here are the five that consistently work for me.

4 Strategies to Avoid Running Late with Kids

1. Prep the Night Before: Lay out clothes, pack school bags, and prepare breakfast/lunch items the evening before. I get my kids involved in this task as I want to build good character and independence. I also make lunch boxes with my kids on school days. This creates much calmer mornings together.

2. Get up One Hour Before your Children. This allows you time to relax, breathe and rehydrate yourself. It also gives plenty of time for some mindfulness before the multitude of to-do tasks start. This time buffer allows us to ensure we are well planned and prepared for the day ahead.

3. Slow 'Should Touch, Smile & Good Morning. Instead of being like a drill sargent in the Marines, try the slow should touch, smile and "good morning" approach. Our children feel our vibe, anxiety, rush or calm. We set the tone for a happy calm morning.

3. Set a Realistic Morning Timeline: Work backward from the time you need to leave, building in buffer time for typical kid delays (bathroom breaks, meltdowns).

4. Create a Fun Routine: Use timers, music, or small incentives (“5 more minutes and we get our special breakfast", "two more ticks on your chart and you get to go to the Trampoline Park”) to keep kids engaged and moving on schedule. Music works really well in our family.

Lateness multiples stress for everyone and it programs a stressed way of living to our children. The great thing is that you can change. Even if you have previously been chronically late. At any point in your life you can rewrite the next chapter. You get to decide how you want to live and what your priorities will be. It might take time to make the changes needed. But I did it, and so can you.