I’m the kind of person who strives to be on time, or even early. I can’t stand being late unless there’s a clear expectation that lateness is acceptable (looking at you, casual backyard BBQs). For everything else, being punctual matters, at least to me. But as any dad knows, getting kids out the door on time can feel like trying to juggling flaming swords. And when you’ve got three kids with staggered school start times, like in my house, those small delays can snowball fast.
In our family, my wife Kelly and I tag-team the mornings. She brings our two older boys to school at 8:20, while I drop off our youngest at 9:00 before starting my work-from-home day. Meanwhile, Kelly heads to teach her own students by 9:00. Timing is everything in our routine, and these dad hacks have helped us keep things running (mostly) on schedule.
While these tips, or dad hacks, come from my perspective as a dad, they’re hacks that any parent can use to smooth out hectic mornings. In my house, my wife is the champion of early preparation, so some of these dad hacks come from her ability to set us up for success too.
Hack #1: Team Up for Prep the Night Before
Mornings are infinitely easier when prep starts the night before. In our house, my wife Kelly is the queen of organization and preparation. She gathers backpacks, snacks, jackets, and shoes and lines them up by the door the night before. She also lays out the kid’s clothes to change in the morning without making a mess of the closet or drawers. This simple routine helps everyone feel prepared when the chaos begins the next morning.
If you’re handling prep solo, a checklist can keep you on track. It’s all about cutting down on decision-making in those bleary-eyed early hours.
Checklist for Evening Prep:
- Lay out clothes for everyone.
- Pack bags (Chromebook, homework, library books, etc.)
- Double-check lunchboxes or snacks.
- Put essentials like keys, wallets, and that one must-have stuffed animal in the same spot every night.
This hack is a game-changer for parents looking to reclaim their mornings.
Hack #2: Use Countdown Timers…Sparingly
Countdown timers are a great tool for keeping kids focused, but they work best in specific situations. In our house, we use them during mealtime when things start dragging. If breakfast is still inching along 45 minutes in, a timer sets a clear expectation for when it’s time to wrap up.
We use the same methodology for cleaning up the playroom. Often times, kids start with good intentions to clean, but as they pick up a toy, or open a bin to put one away, they find they actually want to play something. Setting a timer can often keep them on track and focused, especially if there is a reward at the end (getting popcorn during movie night, and extra candy, or avoiding a penalty of some kind).
Tip: The Race Game
For other parts of the routine, we sometimes turn tasks like putting on shoes into a race. However, because our kids are already highly competitive, we use this sparingly. The goal is to create cooperation, not tension, so we avoid turning every task into a contest.
Timers and games can be adapted for any parent’s routine and are great for shifting kids’ focus in a fun way.
Hack #3: Breakfast on the Go (For Emergencies)
We don’t use this hack often, but it’s a lifesaver on days when time slips away, or for the super early starts. Portable breakfasts can keep kids fed without derailing your morning.
Emergency Breakfast Ideas:
- Pre-made smoothies.
- Banana and peanut butter sandwiches.
- Overnight oats in containers.
- Granola bars or muffins.
- Pop Tarts
This hack works well for busy dads, or any parent, who need to keep the day on track as it feels like it is slipping away. In my family, we like the ‘tradition’ of sitting together to eat. So, we use this sparingly since it breaks from that family value.
Hack #4: Use a “Launch Pad” (or Two)
We have a consistent spot by the front door where backpacks, jackets, and shoes are prepped. This “launch pad” helps cut down on the morning chaos by keeping essentials in one place.
We also have a backup spot in the room off our garage. It holds extra jackets, shoes, and hats. It’s also close to our primary spot making it perfect for last-minute swaps when the weather shifts or someone suddenly needs their favorite hat.
While we don’t really call it a launch pad, it sort of is. Plus, I couldn’t think up another name for it other than ‘near the front door’.
Hack #5: Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To
Kids operate on their own timeline, and distractions are inevitable. That’s why we always start getting ready 10 to 15 minutes earlier than we think we need to.
For example, if we need to leave at 8:40, we start getting ready at 8:25. This buffer accounts for bathroom trips, putting on jackets, or the inevitable moment when one of the kids insists on bringing a toy for the ride.
If 15 minutes sounds crazy, know that this could be even longer if you have a baby under 18 months, but way shorter as your kids get older, like 5 and older.
This is one of the easiest hacks for dads, and parents in general, to adopt.
Hack #6: Stay Calm Amid the Chaos
No matter how well you prepare, some mornings, or days in general, will go sideways. Kids are unpredictable like that. The key is staying calm and remaining positive through the tough moments.
Tips for Staying Chill:
- Take a Breath: Pause for a moment to collect yourself when things feel chaotic.
- Laugh It Off: Spilled smoothie on your shirt? Another “I’ll do it myself!” tantrum? Finding the humor is better than stressing.
- Build in Wiggle Room: A little buffer time can keep small setbacks from throwing off the entire morning.
Your energy sets the tone for the day. Staying calm and positive helps everyone (yourself included) start the day off right.
Pro Tip: Drinking the night before can make the morning rush that much more difficult. I’m not saying to nix it altogether, but going sober-ish could help.
Out the Door Without the Drama
Getting out the door on time with kids isn’t easy, but with a little prep, some creativity, and a whole lot of patience, it’s doable. These dad hacks won’t make your mornings perfect, but they’ll make them smoother, and maybe even enjoyable.
Now, if only I could figure out where I left my keys…
