6 Tips to Always Leave ON TIME

You’re a busy Mama, I know. If the title ‘mom’ is ANYWHERE in the equation, you are busy, hands down. Kids of any age require time, attention, and energy. Do you ever feel that you just can’t get ahead? From feeding and cleaning, to diaper changes, and breaking up fights, it’s hard to stay on top of things. Leaving when planned and arriving to events on time can be especially challenging. But don’t lose heart, here are six tips to always leave on time.

Leaving on time lets you feel accomplished, punctual, and respectable. No, you can’t change a downpour or a blow-out diaper right before you walk out the door, but, you can plan. Make a plan to succeed, stick to that plan, and the majority of the time you will get to your destination on time. 

1. Know your commute length, then add 5 or 10

The first step to getting anywhere on time is leaving with enough time to get there. Do you know how long the car ride will be to your destination? Remember to factor in rush hour, weather, and construction. Then, however long your commute is, add 5 or 10 minutes ‘to be safe.’ If it’s an hour or less commute, it’s good to add at least 5 minutes. If it’s over an hour’s drive, give yourself extra wiggle room by adding 10 minutes.

When planning your arrival, think about what time you actually want to be there, not when the event starts. If you have a Doctors appointment at 12pm, and they ask you to be 15 minutes early, then arrive at 11:45am. If church starts at 9am, do you want to be pulling in when the service is starting? Be careful not to plan around when the event starts, but when you actually need to be there. 

2. Prepare mentally and dress yourself early

You should know what time you need to leave, and make sure you are ready. Sounds simple enough, but reality is, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. With kids, I know that the time before rushing out the door is spent primarily on them. From finishing food, to putting on shoes, kids demand attention from start to finish.

I have found that if I get myself ready before the kids need my attention, then it’s less of a juggle between all the things. Instead of putting on foundation and pulling up boy pants, donning mascara and filling sippy cups, I’m focused on one thing at a time. If we have evening plans, I will do make up and have my outfit ready to go while the kids are still sleeping. If it’s morning or day plans, getting up extra early to get yourself ready may be required. When you are prepared and ready to go, you can give more attention to everyone else. 

3. Inform all parties of departure time (spouse, kids)

Informing your children and spouse of departure time is crucial to leaving on time. Even if they are young, telling them that you are going somewhere lets them get mentally prepared. It let’s them know they’ll need to be getting their shoes and socks on at some point.

Getting your spouse ready to leave on time may be one of the most challenging pieces of the puzzle. Not to put all men in a box, but my husband is notorious for underestimating the time he’ll need to get ready. While I’m up early applying makeup and making coffee, he’s still sleeping. Fast forward 30 minutes when it’s time to get out the door, he’s rushing around for his pants, and I’m the one buckling the kids. Tell your husband and kids, (multiple times if needed), what time you need to leave to get there on time.