Morning Magic: Oceeto’s Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Moms
Hey mom! As the summer break beats on, Oceeto’s here to sprinkle a little fairy dust on your A.M. hustle. Below, find a few time-saving hacks to help you reclaim those precious morning minutes – plus a bonus recipe for you!
- The Night-Before Ninja
Become a night-before ninja. Lay out clothes, pack lunches, and set the breakfast table before you hit the hay. It's like giving morning-you a high-five!
Pro Tip: Want to become a night-before ninja-assassin?! Take your lunch packing prep further by pre-portioning the entire week’s (dry) lunch snacks/ sides and grouping them in advance over the weekend. That way, only sandwiches and perishables need your attention each night.
2. The Bathroom Buddy System
Implement a bathroom buddy system. Pair up kiddos to brush teeth and wash faces together. It's teamwork at its finest, and it might just prevent the toothpaste cap from going “on vacation”. Yet again.
Pro Tip: If your kids have sensory or neurodevelopmental differences (like mine), then ditch the Buddy System and use a “Solo System”. Instead, build strategic separation into the morning routine, as it can help some kids reduce (added) distractions. For example, have one kiddo get ready alone in their space while you and the baby get ready together. Or, have one child pack her things for camp (or school) at the door while another child uses the bathroom to brush teeth. We suggest staggered wake up times as a big boost to the “Solo System”!
3. The Grab-and-Go Breakfast
Master the art of the grab-and-go breakfast. Think yogurt parfaits, fruit slices, or homemade breakfast bars. Nutritious, delicious, and oh-so-portable. Check out this recipe inspired by Culinary.net, featuring energy bites that are fast as well as fun for littles (and grown-ups), too!
Nut Butter Chocolate Energy Bites
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 (3 bites each)
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup nut butter of choice
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs
In large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flaxseed, nut butter, syrup and chocolate chips; mix well using a spoon or mixer.
Using hands, roll mixture into balls, approximately 1-inch each. Place balls on cookie sheet and chill in refrigerator until firm.
Note: Your energy bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.