Weekday mornings at our home are quick, hectic, and to the point. We all tend to get up in just enough time to get ready, eat, and get out the door to work or school. Currently my husband is unemployed and does most of the getting up and getting ready when it comes to the kids.
He does start each morning with a a glass of orange juice, a handful of vitamins, and bowl of oatmeal.
He is usually waking up just as I’m ready to leave. However despite the lack of time to talk one thing that we NEVER leave without doing is giving each other a kiss and saying “I love you”. My husband in turn always tells me to “Be careful.” This is our ritual and is never broken.
My oldest son and daughter are also just getting up when I leave. My husband works at making sure they have made it through their normal routine. Sometimes my son will make waffles for his sister and himself. Other times they play together before they have to get off to school.
I take my youngest son to school. This is something I’m going to miss terribly next year when goes into middle school and will be on the late schedule and getting to school on his own. I cherish this time we have together because I can ask him about school or how he is doing. This is probably the only time I can get my son to talk to me. I try to start off our morning with laughter, smiles, and hugs.
Even though our morning is hectic we each have a connection to someone in the family that makes us smile before the day begins. The weekends are more laid back and often I find myself making the waffles, pancakes, french toast, or eggs for the family. There is usually at least two people at the table at any given time as each of them have their own waking and eating schedule. I have never been one for strict routines and schedules. Each family is different and for ours this is what works for us in the morning.
One thing that we do have is love, there is never a shortage of hugs, kisses, and I love you’s in the Shibley household.
Parenting Tips from Dr. Michele Borba:
- A simple way to connect is by designating time in your family’s normal morning routine as “unplugged time” – without turning on the television, computer or video games. Start with just 10 minutes and gradually work your way up to more unplugged mornings.
- Instead of rushing out the door, talk to your kids as you pour a glass of nutrient-rich 100 percent orange juice together while you pack a healthy breakfast to go.
Nutrition Tips from Elizabeth Ward, M.S., R.D.:
- Eating a nutritious breakfast can greatly impact your day and has even been associated with weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as improved nutrient intake. Breakfast eaters tend to have more energy throughout the day and, because they are not as likely to be hungry, they often have an easier time managing their weight than those who skip breakfast. So sit down with your family around the breakfast table or grab something on the go – you’ll help each person get a good start to the day.
- Look for juices that specifically say “100% Juice” on the information panel and avoid beverages with names such as “cocktail,” “beverage,” “drink” or “-ade.” Such juice concoctions often have added sugars and typically do not provide the natural variety and amount of nutrients found in 100 percent fruit juices such as 100 percent orange juice.
Florida Citrus’s Facebook Page and FloridaJuice.com
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Florida Department of Citrus and received an OJ Gift Pack and a promotional item as a thank you for my participation.” You may read more of my disclosure here.
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