Mornings in this house can go either way. Like a graceful Swan coming to land or like a daft bird flying into a window.
This morning, I got up, came downstairs to kids floor. It was in darkness. No one was up yet. I seized my opportunity. No wasn’t going for a quiet coffee. No to get them up before they miss the steps. The steps thats when we have no routine. No order. Carnage and its like that daft bird.
So let me explain. No 1, he was still asleep. He doesn’t like to be woken. You have to make it seems like he has woken by himself. Then he thinks he has had all the sleep he needs. IF you wake he thinks he is up early. Therefore not had enough sleep.
I creep in. turn his Minecraft light on. He doesn’t stir. ok. Echo play Clare Du Lune by Debaucsy (I Know I am classy). He starts to stir like a giant bear in his den. So I leave.
Next number 3. Turn light on. Grab her clothes. She likes little mole all squinty eyes. She likes to be woken with cuddles and kisses on her arch of her noses. She pretends to be asleep longer to enjoy this. Now this can either way. We can get her dressed, by actually getting her undressed and redressed. Or leave her and she will then grab all her toys and run downstairs quicker than someone on Supermarket Sweep. So I go for first options. I say she is the first one up and that we have a secret mission to get dressed quickly and then she can wake everyone up. (the older two still think there younger sister is cute in the morning and ok to wake them up). So with the distraction of watching someone on instagram doing a child hair until a mermaid plait we get a dressed. Why the video distraction, otherwise sensory overload of the feeling of the school uniform.
Number 2. So number 3 climbs into bed with her while I get her clothes. She is not a morning person. But silliness and tiggles are a great mood changer while she is on my lap. Again I need to get her undressed and dressed. Sometimes she will be independent but other times its very much me doing it for her.
Right kids now dressed. Downstairs watching tv. Now I can get ready.
Next I go round each of their bedrooms, making sure lights off, curtains open, beds made, dirty washing away. Oh toilets flushed. No one ever flushes toilets!
Now breakfast. Breath.
Number 1, has the same everyday, toast with marmite. Won’t ever come to the table. Needs the time on his own in living room to get himself ready for the day. At nearly 10 this has taken a long time to get him to this morning Zen.
Number 3 and the cat follow me straight away into the kitchen. Number 3 has something different every morning . This morning was chocolate brioche, fruit and yoghurt. She is very particular. It might be sensory need so dry and crunchy food. other times, needs to be certain bowls. Other times she won’t eat unless she is wrapped in a blanket. No two days the same.
Number 2, again each day is different, the struggle to get her to eat and have a drink but without putting too much pressure on her so she doesn’t shut down and refuse everything. She fond of dry cereal. And will pick from the variety that I have stocked in the cupboard.
Now they are eating, I can make the pack lunches. Depending on the time, I will either pack their bags or encourage them to do it. This is also the same as for getting shoes and coats ready.
Then there is daily fight for teeth, face washes, hair.
Today was success, we didnt manage to walk but we got to school before the gate opened which they love. As they can have a run around before going in. This was a swan landing. Bird in window landing. I think I’ll save the beaut for next time.
