Begin Your Day on a Positive Note Our days are usually busy and how we start our morning can greatly impact our mood. It can often be daunting to think about all that lies ahead in the day. Sometimes we even want to crawl back into bed! With a few creative changes to our mindset, we can start the day in a way that makes us feel successful and positive. Here are a few examples: • Select outfits for yourself and your family the night before and lay them out to make sure they are ready and clean. Put older children in charge of this task if they are able. • Invest in clothes that can be easily cleaned and require minimal maintenance. • If you bring a lunch, pack it the night before. You can also put breakfast items out at night. For example, the bowl and spoon you will need for your morning cereal. • Get all snacks ready and packed for the next day. • Have bags (backpacks and work bags) packed and set by the door the night before. • Make a bathroom schedule with specific start and end times for each person. • If one person needs more time in the shower or bathroom, have them go first. • Create a morning “chores and responsibilities” chart, so that each child knows what is expected of them prior to leaving the house. • Set an alarm to go off five minutes before it is time to leave the house and another when it is actually time to leave the house. • Allow extra time for winter clothing. Putting on hats, coats, boots, etc. can be time consuming and is often challenging for smaller children when they are feeling rushed. • Limit distractions for children, like electronics, until they are completely ready to leave the house. Adults can also benefit from not checking emails and Facebook while they are getting ready.

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