Episode #412 – Stop Morning Chaos (Before It Starts)

I’m Cherylanne Skolnicki, and this is Brilliant Balance, the show for those of us who still dare to want it all—who have big dreams and bold ambitions. I believe we deserve to have a big, full life and the freedom to enjoy it. So let’s design our next chapter together—for brilliance, not burnout. Each week, I’ll bring ideas, insight, and a fresh perspective to keep you growing into a life that feels as good as it looks. Brilliant Balance. Your life. Your way. Now, let’s get started.

This is episode 412 of the Brilliant Balance podcast, and today we’re talking about the morning launch—how you can get yourself and everyone else out the door without it being completely crazy. I’m so glad you tuned in for this episode because it’s one of my favorite topics.

If your mornings have started to feel frantic lately, you are not alone. This time of year, with back-to-school routines in full swing and work schedules ramping up again after summer, many of us are just trying to get ourselves—or our children—out the door without losing our minds. Whether it’s the missing shoe, the uncharged laptop, the forgotten lunchbox, or simply the chaos of trying to get everyone where they need to be on time, a rough morning can set the whole day off on the wrong foot.

That’s why I wanted to bring back an encore episode. This is one of our most-downloaded shows this time of year, and for good reason. It gives you three practical keys to what I call the morning launch. These are simple shifts—ideas you can put into place starting tonight—that will change the tone of your mornings, and honestly, the rest of your day.

This topic comes up a lot in my coaching circles, especially for women with school-aged children. But whether you’re juggling school schedules, early work meetings, a heavy travel calendar, or you just want more calm in those first hours of the day, this framework will help.

So let’s dive into the three keys, which I call the three S’s: staging, sequence, and space.

1. Staging

A smooth morning starts the night before. Staging means laying things out, tracking them down, and making sure everything you’ll need is ready and waiting. Think about clothing, backpacks, lunchboxes, and permission slips. The goal is to eliminate the morning scramble by handling these things ahead of time.

Clothing is a big one. Do you already pick out clothes for your children? What about for yourself? Knowing what you’re going to wear, making sure it’s clean and ready, and knowing where the shoes are saves enormous stress. The same goes for gym clothes, uniforms, or anything needed for after-school activities.

Backpacks should be fully packed at night—homework returned, laptops charged, and any special items (like show-and-tell or muffins for class) already inside. Lunches can also be prepped. While I prefer to make sandwiches fresh in the morning, most other items can be packed the night before. A sticky note reminder on top of the backpack can ensure nothing is forgotten.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of bedtime. Tired, cranky kids—or parents—make mornings harder. Charging devices outside bedrooms is another way to encourage restful sleep and reduce distractions.

2. Sequence

The second key is sequence—your order of operations in the morning. Write down the ideal steps for yourself and your family. What happens first? How long does each step take? Then practice it until it becomes second nature.

For example, your alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. By 6:05, you’ve brushed your teeth. By 6:10, you’re in workout clothes. By 6:50, you’ve finished your workout and are ready for a shower. Then you move on to helping your children or pets.

When possible, take care of yourself first. If you’re dressed and ready before focusing on your kids, you’ll feel calmer and more prepared. Of course, life stages vary, and sometimes you’ll need to manage things in tandem. The key is to know your sequence so you can make adjustments on the fly.

Adding time “markers” can help. For example: out of the shower by 7:05, dressed by 7:20, kids in the kitchen by 7:35. These mini check-ins act like lap timers on a track, helping you know if you’re on pace or need to simplify. And simplification is critical. Maybe that means dry shampoo instead of a full wash, or handing your child a breakfast bar when you’re running behind.

3. Space

The third key is space—building in wiggle room. This is not Mission Impossible. Don’t plan your morning so tightly that one small hiccup throws everything off. Fifteen to twenty extra minutes can make all the difference.

Because here’s the truth: something will go wrong. Maybe the dog chews a shoe, the garage door won’t open, the coffee maker clogs, or someone needs extra time in the bathroom. Space ensures these hiccups don’t derail the entire morning.

That buffer time allows you to handle surprises calmly instead of becoming frazzled. And that calm energy carries into the rest of your day.

So, if you’ve been wrestling with hectic mornings, remember the three S’s: staging the night before, following a clear sequence, and building in space for the unexpected. Together, they can transform your mornings from chaotic to calm.

If it means waking up earlier, so be it. If it means handling more the night before, that works too. The goal is to feel calm, in control, and ready for the day ahead.

For more ideas like these, visit brilliant-balance.com and check out the free resources page. And if you’re not already in the Brilliant Balance Facebook group, come join us there.

Thank you for listening today, friends. Until next time—let’s be brilliant.