116 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2026 may just learn that it isn’t that big a deal to be late once in a while and learn to lighten up. Either way, everyone is learning something important. So take a deep breath, and say out loud for the benefit of everyone involved: “Alright, we’re going to be late today. We’ll deal with the consequences, learn from it, and try not to let it happen again in the future, alright?” 8. Hug. Whatever happened and whatever is to come, hug your kids. Taking a moment to hug your child helps bring stress levels down and lays the foundation for what matters to you. You love your child. Choosing that moment, even in all the busy chaos, reminds you both how important you are to one another. Making space for these eight tips will turn even the craziest morning around. “Goofballs” is what works for my family. Pick anything else that gets the giggles out of your family and go all out with it! 7. Be late. Before I say anything else, you should know that I hate to be late. I’m the person who considers “on time” to mean fifteen minutes early. But the truth is, it is OK to be a few minutes late now and again. What’s the worst that can happen? Your kids will be late to school and perhaps get a tardy slip. Let them. They will learn to make better choices and will be motivated to get out of the house early next time without you having to nag them. You will be a few minutes late for work. So be it. You will choose to wake up a little earlier tomorrow. Or you will learn to be better organized. Or you “Hugging your child helps bring stress levels down and lays the foundation for what matters to you.” Slow, simple routines help the whole morning feel manageable.
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