My father firmly believed, “If you’re on time, you’re actually late.” Growing up, I vividly remember him ushering our family to various events long before they started. There were times when he would wait at airport terminals longer than the duration of his flight because he always planned for extra time. On the day we brought him home for his funeral, we shared bittersweet laughter when the funeral director mentioned he would have arrived at the airport three hours early for his flight.
I have inherited my father’s knack for punctuality, which has led to my fair share of playful teasing over the years. Even with kids in the mix, I find myself consistently on time for playdates, preschool, and practically any scheduled event. Yes, I can hear your eye rolls. I know, I’m that mom who always arrives punctually—but I’m no longer apologizing for it. I’m not trying to flaunt my timing skills, I promise.
Friends often groan when they show up late for lunch or a workout, only to find me there right on the dot. Some even poke fun at my punctuality, asking, “Can’t you just be late like the rest of us? You’re a show-off!” The reality is, I can’t simply “be late”. It turns out that people like me have a different internal clock compared to those who are habitually tardy.
Tips for Being a Punctual Parent
While there’s no magical formula for always making it to “Mommy and Me” classes on time, I do have a few tried-and-true tips:
- Ditch the Snooze Button
I know this sounds harsh, but when my alarm goes off, I get up—no exceptions. I set my alarm each night knowing I’ve left myself plenty of time to wrangle my kids and enjoy a cup (or two) of coffee. It might be tempting to linger in bed for just a few more minutes, but that cozy feeling often leads to chaos and a lack of caffeine for the day ahead. So, heed your alarm and skip the snooze. - Treat Every Day Like the First Day of School
We’ve all seen those back-to-school photos where parents joke, “This is the most organized I’ll be all year!” Well, punctual people approach every day as if it’s that first day. Yes, it may be annoying, but making sure backpacks are ready, shoes are found, and breakfast is prepped the night before can significantly improve your timeliness. You’ll soon appreciate not having to yell, “Where are your shoes???” when the bus is about to arrive. - Stick to Your Schedule
I’ll admit, I can be a bit fanatical about leaving events punctually, but it genuinely helps keep my day organized. While I might enjoy an extra chat at the gym, I prioritize my departure time. I’m not being inconsiderate—I’m simply maintaining my schedule! - Adjust Your Routine If Necessary
If you notice a pattern of tardiness—like always being late to dance class—evaluate your routine. Often, the solution is simple, such as not misplacing your keys or packing the dance bag beforehand. Little adjustments can lead to significant improvements in timing. - Embrace Downtime
As a stay-at-home mom, I struggled with downtime. If I had a few spare minutes before naptime, I often felt compelled to squeeze in one more task. However, that “one more thing” often threw me off schedule for the rest of the day. By embracing downtime, you can actually find more time and reduce stress.
People who consistently arrive on time cultivate habits that allow for a smoother daily routine. While being organized might earn some lighthearted teasing, these structures work wonders for me and many other parents.
And don’t worry—if you happen to run late, I’ll patiently wait. That just gives me a few extra moments to scroll through social media or enjoy a moment of stillness in my busy day.
For more insights on managing your parenting journey, check out Modern Family Blog, an authority on parenting topics.
Summary
Punctuality as a parent is achievable with the right mindset and habits. Strategies include avoiding the snooze button, treating every day like the first day of school, sticking to a schedule, making necessary adjustments, and embracing downtime. These practices can help any parent avoid the chaos of being late.