This morning, I found myself chuckling at a first grader who accidentally toppled a neat row of bicycles. She was rushing to school, dragging her bike just steps from where it would be parked in front of the principal’s office. “Hurry up!” her mother implored. “The bell just rang!” Their hurried footsteps echoed the chaos of countless mornings. I was in my own frantic dance with my five-year-old son, trying to get him into kindergarten just moments before the doors closed.
I had nearly passed the little girl when I heard the loud crash. In her morning frenzy, she had carelessly tossed her bike into the perfectly aligned row of colorful handlebars and Elsa helmets. They toppled like dominos, and when the last bike landed—right at the feet of another bewildered parent—I couldn’t help but laugh.
I laughed—not to mock her, though I might have frustrated her mother—but because I completely understand. Mornings can be a nightmare. If I had a bike and an Elsa helmet, I’d probably launch them into the bike rack too, as a playful rebellion against a world that moves too fast and expects too much, especially from five-year-olds who get sidetracked by every Lego ship they see every single morning. Oh wait, that’s my house.
Every morning, my partner and I clash over our ineffective routine. “We need a better strategy,” I hiss as I pull my son Max’s shirt over his head and guide him to brush his teeth. We’ve sought advice from parenting coaches. “Find what motivates him,” they say, with that tone that suggests it’s simple if you only pay attention. So we tried.
But honestly, sticker charts are useless in the morning. Five-year-olds couldn’t care less about stickers when they’re determined to squeeze every last drop of toothpaste onto their brushes. And let’s talk about the clock. Being on time when managing small children is a comedy of errors—potty breaks, clothes, shoes, and the inevitable toothpaste spill. “Brush your teeth! Too much toothpaste! Wrong color! Spit!” Then there’s hair management, breakfast debates, and let’s not forget the chaos of getting two children ready and fed.
We’re often left feeling like the frantic mom at the park, yelling as if our child is about to tumble off the jungle gym. And that’s on a day when I skip the shower or makeup. Mornings leave us feeling rushed, devoid of patience, and completely out of motivational ideas that would impress glossy parenting magazines. I don’t have a bike to throw, but I’d gladly toss my coffee if I didn’t need it so much.
We’re trying to raise responsible children, aware of their impact on the world around them. There are countless articles about how to achieve this, but this isn’t one of them. Instead, this is an invitation to join the “Glad You Made It” club.
Mornings are hard. They’re challenging at my house and undoubtedly at yours too. So, to the parking lot attendant, instead of scolding us for being late, I propose a new approach.
Let’s change the narrative. Instead of saying “The bell just rang! Hurry!” greet us with “Good morning! I’m glad you made it!”
Imagine hearing “I’m glad you made it” as you juggle a baby out of his car seat, or when the first grader tosses her bike into the rack in frustration. What about when a five-year-old with messy hair comes sliding into the classroom at 8:34 am? “I’m glad you made it.” You see our struggles; you know we’re doing our best in a world that often feels rushed.
We have all the time to reflect on how quickly life passes when we tuck our kids in at night, counting the breaths before they drift off to sleep. It’s in those quiet moments that we recognize the days we cherish and the guilt we harbor for not savoring them longer.
So, don’t rush us—not yet. Our kids will have their whole lives to feel pressured for time.
If I could pause to play with Legos on my way to the bathroom, or toss my bike into the rack, I would. Tomorrow, when your daughter drops her backpack in a puddle and my son stops to collect every stick on the playground, I’ll share a knowing smile with you. We can hurry later. For now, I’m just glad you made it.
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Summary
Mornings can be overwhelming for parents, filled with chaotic routines and time constraints. Instead of rushing and stressing, we should embrace a more supportive approach, recognizing the struggles of getting children ready and to school on time. Acknowledging these challenges can foster a sense of community among parents, allowing for shared laughter and understanding in the midst of the morning rush.
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