Weekday family mornings can be a bit of a juggling act. Mismatched socks, forgotten book bags, and your car keys somehow disappearing just as you’re about to leave. But with a few simple tricks (and a little planning), those early hours can become moments of calm, connection and even fun!
We call them little wins. Cheerful, everyday solutions that help families get ready, feel good, and start the day right.
Some mornings just work. Everyone’s dressed, fed, and out the door with time to spare. Of course, not every day goes quite so smoothly, but the secret to more good ones? A few simple habits that help ease the rush and bring a little calm to the chaos. These easy wins won’t change your whole routine, but they could help your Little O be ready to take on the day.
Teaching kids to put on their own coat might just be the best 30 seconds you’ll spend this week. Lay the coat on the floor, hood or collar closest to their feet, and let them slide their arms in and flip it over their head. Ta-da!
Lunchboxes. Shoes. Water bottles. That mystery cardigan that somehow looks like every other cardigan. Stickers or name stamps help your little one spot their stuff quickly, and help you avoid daily trips to lost property. Bright colours and fun icons make it even easier for pre-readers to identify their items.
It sounds simple, but laying out school clothes before bedtime is one of the easiest ways to beat the morning rush. Leave shoes by the door, socks ready to go, and you’ve just saved yourself a small meltdown (or two).
Whether you’re packing lunches or snacks, doing it the night before frees up precious time in your morning routine. Store everything in the fridge in clearly labelled containers. Grab, zip, and go.
You can even pop a small container of Multigrain Cheerios® in as a crunchy, high fibre addition they’ll love. Grab a piece of fruit and some milk for when breakfast is needed on the go.
Make breakfast a breeze with a DIY cereal station. Use easy-pour containers, set out bowls and spoons at kid height, and let little ones get involved in building their own breakfast bowl alongside you. They can choose their favourite fruity toppings, nuts, or seeds while you keep things running smoothly, turning breakfast into a fun, shared moment rather than a rush.
Wondering where to start? Every box of Cheerios® cereal helps to bring a balance of nutrition* and taste to your family’s breakfast table. Cheerios® is high in fibre from three whole grains: oats, wheat and barley, and can help to provide a tasty and nutritious* start to your day as part of a balanced breakfast.
Even with the best morning routine, things can slip through the cracks. A missed note in the school bag or a forgotten library book. That’s where a few smart systems come in handy. From digital reminders to visual chore charts, these tools help the whole family stay one step ahead, without adding more to your plate.
Struggling to remember whether it’s PE day, book swap day, or bring-a-tin-for-the-bake-sale day? A shared digital calendar with alerts can help the whole family stay on track.
Turn morning jobs into cheerful little tasks with a downloadable chore chart. Think: “Cereal station helper,” “Shoe spotter,” and “Lunchbox pack checker.” It’s a great way to get everyone involved and feeling good about their morning role.
Cheerios® aren’t just for the kids. Think beyond the bowl and you’ll find plenty of little wins for grown-ups too. A handful of Multigrain Cheerios® works just as well at your desk, mixed into yoghurt, or when you’re juggling work, errands and everything in between:
At your desk – something easy to munch while you work.
On the move – simple to portion into a tub with milk and fruit for busy days out.
One for all – an option both adults and kids can enjoy, no extra prep needed.
It’s the little things that make a big difference, especially in the mornings. A coat they can put on themselves. A cereal bowl within easy reach. A lunchbox that’s packed and ready to go. These everyday wins might seem small, but together they help your Little O and whole family feel confident, capable and ready to take on the day.
And when things go smoothly, there’s more space for connection, a quick cuddle, a shared giggle over breakfast, or a few minutes to chat before the school run.
*Cheerios are a source of Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamins B2 and B6. Calcium, Vitamin D is needed for the maintenance of normal muscle and bone, Vitamins B2 and B6 contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism, and Iron contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. Enjoy as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
