Need help and tips for when I'm rushing around

[Tilia]

I usually like to plan extra time into "getting ready" to go out but sometimes I end up rushing. I really hate that a lot and it stresses me out to the max.

I need your tips on how to handle DD when I am rushing around trying to get things done. She always seems to know when its a bad time to be asking me questions etc. Plus she follows me around and gets in my way.

I know I should just find her something to do so I can get ready in peace, but I don't think about it until afterwards. I end up speaking to her harshly to move or leave me alone for a minute.

Plus I get cranky about things that are not her fault and become short with her. Help me get through this. I don't want the last few minutes before DD spends her afternoon at daycare to be so stressful.

[becoming]

I have a hard time with this, too, and know just how you feel. Obviously the most important thing is to leave plenty of time to get ready so that you're not needing to hurryhurryhurry or risk being late. But when we are running late, the most helpful thing for me is to remember that my children are children, they move more slowly than me, it's not important to them that we're on time, and being late is MY problem, not theirs. I also have been reminding myself that my children's feelings are more important than being on time. I would rather my child feel loved and appreciated and not "in the way" & have us be a few minutes late, than be on time and have hurt my children with harsh words.

[becoming]

Oh, and get her to help you do things! If I'm feeling that desperate need for the kids to be OUT from under me while I'm getting ready, I make up things for them to do that actually will help us be on time. "DD, will you please go get my grey sneakers and put them by the door? That would be really helpful." "DS1, will you go get two extra diapers for the diaper bag? That would help me so much." etc. Even my 2-year-old can help. I'll send him to turn off lights or the TV or check to make sure his cup is full.