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Being a Mum is a fulfilling, challenging, and often chaotic journey…

Amidst the joy and love, finding time for a productive morning routine can seem like a distant dream. However, fear not!

With a little creativity, flexibility, and some loving patience, you can enhance your efficiency and productivity while keeping your little ones engaged (for juuust long enough, anyway!).

In this easy to follow guide, we’ll explore some practical, kid and Mum-friendly tips to make your mornings smoother, ensuring you can tackle your tasks while being attentive to your (mostly!) adorable toddler.

1. Engaging Activities in the Bathroom:

Let’s face it, finding time for a shower can feel like an Olympic event when you have a little one underfoot.

But fret not, there’s a simple solution! Keep a box of colorful blocks, soft toys, or their favorite bath-friendly toys handy in the bathroom.

As you step into the shower, let your toddler have a ball stacking blocks on the floor, the toilet seat, or even the side of the bath. The joy they find in this simple activity will keep them happily occupied while you get some much-needed shower time.

Now, if you have a water-loving toddler, you can even turn bath time into a creative experience. Invest in some bath crayons and let them unleash their inner artist on the bath tiles. Not only will this foster their creativity, but it will also turn YOUR shower time into a fun and exciting part of THEIR morning routine.

2. Involve Your Child in Your Beauty Routine:

Mummy’s beauty time doesn’t have to be a solo act. Toddlers are naturally curious and love to copy their favorite role models – you!

So, embrace the adorable mimicry by decanting a small amount of your moisturizer into a cute tub. Your mini-me can then apply “magic cream” just like you do, side by side in front of the mirror.

Keep a few clean brushes aside for them to play with while you put on makeup, and watch their eyes sparkle with joy. Not only does this keep them entertained, but it also teaches them the importance of self-care in a fun and friendly way.

Pop all of their things in their own wash bag for them to grab every morning to keep it all together for them to find easily.

3. Dressing Together:

Getting dressed in the morning can sometimes feel like a never-ending marathon, especially when your little one insists on doing everything independently.

But hey, we’ve got you covered with a playful twist! For the dressing champions who are learning the art of getting dressed themselves, pass them their trousers while you put on yours. As they observe and mimic you, they’ll learn the ropes of dressing, one step at a time.

Patience might be key here, as their excitement at independence can sometimes take the form of adorable (read: painful!) slow-motion dressing!

Top tip: If time is running short and they’re struggling with that t-shirt, turn dressing into a game. “This t-shirt is super hungry and it’s looking for bodies to eat!” Trust me it’s incredible how engaging a game this can be, and before you know it, they’ll be dressed and ready to go.

For younger toddlers who are still discovering the wonders of buttons and zippers, encourage their curiosity by getting them clothes with easy-to-manage fasteners. Praise their efforts and cheer them on as they conquer each clothing challenge.

Remember, this dressing journey is not just about getting ready; it’s a chance to bond and to set the tone for the rest of the day. Try to keep it cheerful and full of laughter.

4. Utilise a Teddy or Doll:

We all know that some toddlers can be quite the fashion rebels, and persuading them to get dressed can feel like swimming through custard.

Encourage your kid to dress a favourite teddy bear or doll first. Raid their outgrown newborn clothes for a perfect fit, and watch them giggle with delight as they dress their little friend.

You’ll be surprised how this simple activity sparks their enthusiasm, making them more cooperative when it’s time to put on their own clothes.

To take this imaginative play a step further, host a mini fashion show for the doll or teddy bear. Encourage your little fashion designer to create stylish outfits, and you can play the role of an excited audience, cheering and clapping for their fabulous creations.

This will not only make getting dressed more enjoyable for them but also ignite their imagination and creativity. It will certainly add an extra 5 minutes to the morning but that is the same 5 minutes you would have spent wrestling to get socks onto your toddler anyway!

5. Embrace Screen Time as a Fall-Back Option:

Let’s be real – some days, it feels like we’re running a marathon while juggling a circus, and the clock is ticking mercilessly.

During these moments, it’s okay to embrace screen time as a temporary solution. Offer your kids their favorite, engaging content on your phone or tablet. While they’re zombified and glued to the allure of the blue screen, make the most of this opportunity to swiftly complete your morning tasks.

Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do, Mama. Don’t feel guilty about it, just get it done and move on!

For a final word on this whirlwind of motherhood, remember to be gentle with yourself. Embrace the joy, the mess, and the moments of chaos.

By incorporating these kid and Mum-friendly tips into your morning routine, you can increase efficiency while cherishing the giggly moments with your child.

Celebrate the giggles, the imaginative play, and the snuggles – in ten minutes time they might be having a meltdown about something completely menial!

Some days might not go as planned, and that’s perfectly fine – you’re doing an amazing job!

Just. Keep. Going.

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