It’s 7:42am. Your toddler’s crying because their banana broke. You’ve reheated your coffee twice but still haven’t taken a sip. Drop-off is looming, your work bag’s half-packed, and your child has just declared that today, only blue socks will do.
Sound familiar?
At Milestones Early Learning, we know mornings with toddlers are no small feat, especially when you’re also juggling work, traffic, childcare drop-offs, and the mental load of remembering everything from hats to water bottles. It’s a lot. And it’s okay if some days feel more chaotic than calm.
Here are some real-world, sanity-saving tips to help you get everyone out the door, on time (or close enough), and remind you that you’re doing better than you think.
1. Prep the Night Before (Yes, Even Your Coffee Cup)
Ten quiet minutes after bedtime can change your whole morning. Lay out clothes (yours and theirs), pack bags, and line up lunchboxes and water bottles. Choose your outfit too, because deciding between the only two clean tops you own is not a game you want to play at 7am.
And while you’re at it? Pop a clean mug and your favourite coffee pod or teabag next to the kettle. Morning-you will love that.
Some parents even pop their toddler straight into soft, comfy clothes for the next day, like leggings and a tee. One less battle in the morning? Yes, please.
2. Add a Time Buffer (Because Toddlers Love Last-Minute Surprises)
Build in an extra 10–15 minutes. Someone will absolutely need a second breakfast, hide their shoes, or demand a cuddle after they’ve already been strapped into the car seat.
A buffer also helps ease the pressure of drop-off. You’ll have time to chat with your child’s Educator, say a calm goodbye, or even breathe for a second before your workday begins.
3. Keep It Predictable, But Add a Dash of Play
Toddlers feel safest when they know what’s coming next. Keeping your morning routine consistent - wake up, toilet, get dressed, breakfast, brush teeth, shoes, out the door - can help reduce resistance and those big early-morning emotions.
But within that structure, adding a little fun can go a long way. One parent shared their go-to morning challenge:
“Quick! Mum’s getting dressed too - can you beat her?”
Even simple things like a silly voice while brushing teeth or a race to put on shoes can turn tension into teamwork. A little imagination can shift the mood and give your toddler a sense of accomplishment before the day even begins.
4. Offer Choices (and Know When to Let It Go)
Toddlers love being the boss of something - anything - so offering simple choices can go a long way.
Blue bowl or green bowl? Dinosaur socks or rainbow ones? Teddy or bunny comes in the car?
Sometimes, that’s all it takes to keep the peace.
Other times? They want to wear their Frozen jacket, even though it’s in the wash. Or they insist on sandals… in winter… with one sock. That’s when you smile (through gritted teeth), pack a backup outfit in the car, and remind yourself: this is not the hill I’m dying on today.
Because yes, your child might turn up to care in gumboots, pyjama pants, and a Christmas shirt, in June, but they got out the door. And honestly? That’s the win.
Take a deep breath… and maybe channel Elsa. Sometimes, you really do just need to let it go.
5. Embrace the Bribe (No Judgement Here)
Let’s be honest, toddlers aren’t exactly motivated by your morning schedule. That’s where a little creative persuasion comes in.
Whether it’s the promise of choosing the playlist in the car, holding the keys, pressing the garage door button, or even getting a tiny treat for cooperating, these little motivators can work wonders. One parent admitted they always keep a couple of tiny lollies or chocolates stashed in the glovebox - emergency diplomacy at its finest.
Another swears by this line:
“Who wants car Weet-Bix today?!” (Said with all the enthusiasm of a game show host, it turns breakfast into an event instead of a battle.)
It’s not about withholding or negotiating - it’s about sprinkling in small moments of joy and autonomy. And if your car looks like a snack explosion with a side of stale rice crackers? You’re in good company.
6. When It’s All Too Much, Use a Casual Care Day
Some days, you just need a little breathing room. Maybe you’ve got errands piling up, forms to fill out, groceries to buy, or a house that’s begging for a proper clean. Or maybe, you just want to enjoy a quiet coffee in your own home without someone yelling “MUM!” from the bathroom.
That’s where casual care comes in.
Milestones centres offer casual care days, so you can book an extra day when you need to catch up, slow down, or just come up for air.
Learn more about casual care here or speak to your Centre Manager.
No judgement. Just flexibility, support, and a warm, welcoming environment your child already knows and loves.
7. Podcasts for Your Sanity (Even 10 Minutes Helps)
Need a reset after drop-off or while folding laundry at 9pm? These are our go-tos:
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Parental As Anything - Short, real-life parenting advice from Maggie Dent
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The Imperfects - Big-hearted chats about life, struggle, and showing up
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Hello, Bump - Honest stories for new and expecting parents
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The Motherhood Sessions - Relatable, reflective, and refreshingly raw
Even ten minutes of feeling heard can make a difference.
Quick Morning Wins
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Prep everything the night before, including your coffee
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Dress your toddler in tomorrow’s outfit at bedtime
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Let them choose their bowl, socks, or car playlist
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Build in a 15-minute buffer for the unexpected
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Keep a backup outfit in the car (just in case)
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Use car snacks and playful games to motivate
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Book a casual care day when you need breathing space
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Listen to a podcast to feel more like you again
A Final Word from One Working Parent to Another
Some mornings you’ll be early, some you’ll be late. Some will feel calm, and others will feel like a tornado in a lunchbox. That doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you a real one.
At Milestones, we understand that drop-off might come after a teary goodbye, a sleepless night, or a spilled smoothie. No matter how your morning starts, our Educators will greet your child with warmth, a smile, and open arms. We’re here to support them, and you, every step of the way.
You’ve got this, and when you don’t, we’ve got you.
Find your nearest Milestones centre
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