I would pack anything you can the night before, or at least try it for a week and see if it makes a big difference in time savings.

I also think putting anything you can in the car the night before is what works best for me…the gym bag, the diaper bag (not if you are adding bottles though), etc…if it’s already in the car that one less thing that I have to lug out there the next morning.

Brynn
http://www.thedomesticdietitian.com

I still procrastinate making my lunch and now what I do – and what you could do – is while making dinner – pack her lunch and your lunch while you are doing it – OR – take a portion of what you are making and pack up a serving for you – or throw together Shea’s stuff – since you probably already have a cutting board out and other cooking stuff doing it the same time you are making dinner – then you are all done before you even eat!

I love that idea! We’ve tried…they’re just not dietitian-approved :-/ Maybe he just needs some guidance 🙂

Here’s a few tips …

* Investing in lots of single serving storage containers allows you to prepare food for lunches way ahead of time. I do it when I come home from the grocery store. Leftovers that freeze well, and snacks that require a baggie or container can be quickly stored in single servings and ready to go. EXTRA PERK: This helps me even now to eat in healthy proportions, so I still do this!

* Any chopping or preparation on cold veggies is also done ahead of time, right when I get it home from the grocery store.

* When cleaning up the kitchen at dinner the night before, it’s a great time to put in the front of your refrigerator the food you want for lunches the next day. It’s like laying your clothes out the night before, but for food. The next morning is a breeze, just throw it in and go!

* Have your gym bag ready and in the car if possible. This is easy to do and a lot less hassle!

* BEST TIP EVER: Have a checklist in a drawer or on the fridge for your daily “pack up”. Don’t waste precious time and energy trying to remember everything and becoming stressed and short on patience. Time related stress limits our ability to be calm to loved ones near us, and we often regret that. Instead, let yourself breathe and refer to your checklist knowing it’s all there to reference. You’ll find that you never forget a thing, plus you may enjoy playing with the dog outside which will get her to christen the yard even sooner! 😉 Win-Win!

These years will pass sooner than you know, the next baby will bring more chaos again, but with a good morning routine that works for your family it will get easier with practice when you implement small time savers along the way.

You’re definitely not alone in this struggle, my life has been a complete “work in progress!”