On Time, Every Time–Secret Mom Hacks to Keep Your Crew Organized

“I don’t know how you are always on time. With such a big family!,” she said, before asking: “Please, tell me your secret.”  

Coming from another mother, I found that to be a wonderful compliment. She approached me again the next day and told me her family is late, no matter where they go. I explained exactly how I manage to get eight kids out the door each day. On time.

I guess there is a secret to being on time. I’m happy to share my secrets.

Some days I am the picture of responsible adulthood. Then I have other days when I don’t have time to put on real pants. But no matter what, we (to date) have never missed the bus, or were marked “tardy” to school. 

It starts with this: I don’t do anything for my children that they are able to do (or learn to do) themselves.

The result: even my youngest toddler does her share to ensure we leave the house on time. I see each of them blossoming into organized, confident little humans. Respecting time is valuable, and making an effort to be on time is part of that.

This is my crew!

In full disclosure: only five of the eight little people you see in the picture actually reside with me. Yet, I manage to successfully get all eight kids out the door to school (ON TIME!) every morning. The phenomenon is no accident. It’s the result of plenty of planning, and in home secrets I use to keep everyone organized and on task.

Elementary schools and daycare centers alike have it figured out: cubbies and hooks.  

Cubbies and nooks provide a central, simple location for kids to organize shoes, coats, and backpacks: KEY! Pinterest also includes tons of great DIY ideas, many of which are very affordable. Individual bins keep each child accountable for their own items. The ones I show below were bought at Michaels stores. Unlike lots of stores, at Michaels you can buy (or order online) larger quantities of the same bin. 

 My husband built the cubbies pictured here. It was actually a pretty easy project. 

A great mom hack: just add simple hooks and labels as an effective tool to keep kids organized and prepared in the morning.

• Each child is responsible for packing and unpacking his or her own backpack. We have a special place for homework folders and library books. Sure, at first my kiddos needed reminders. Now it’s automatic. Imagine never having to hunt for a library book again!

• I find families waste precious morning minutes looking for socks and sorting out wardrobe selections. I instituted this simple shelving system in my downstairs bathroom. Each night before bed, we lay out our clothes for the next day. It revolutionized our mornings! Even my toddler can find her name and dress herself independently. It is so effective I often lay out pajamas to ensure a smooth and timely bedtime. 

• Giving each child basic tools to keep themselves organized transforms your morning. One of my favorites is our simple toothbrush holder. This gadget prevents toothbrushes from falling on the floor, holders being knocked of the counter, and general oral hygiene apocalypse.

• Each child has chore charts to they brush their teeth. I used to feel like a broken record reminding all five of them! The chart also reminds them to make beds, wipe the table, and feed pets. I found these little pencil chalkboards,in the value aisle (the one when you first walk in) of Target. I added a names and related job duties to each with Velcro clip art.

The secret is this: planning, organization, and responsibility.

Then apply these fundamentals by teaching your children to plan, organize, and take responsibility for themselves. It won’t happen without parents leading by example, and putting organizational tools in place ensures success. But it will happen. When it does, you too will be on time, every time.