Ah, mornings with toddlers and kids. They can be a beautiful symphony of cuddles and giggles, or a frantic race against the clock, fuelled by misplaced shoes and stubborn demands. If your mornings often feel like a marathon before 8 AM, you’re not alone!

At Mix Kix, we’re all about making life easier for busy parents. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top 5 tips to reclaim your calm and sail through those precious pre-school hours.

1. Prep the Night Before (Your Future Self Will Thank You!)

This is the golden rule! A little prep work in the evening can save a mountain of stress when you’re half-asleep.

• Outfits: Lay out your child’s clothes for the next day, including undies, socks, and of course, their shoes!

• Breakfast: Set the table, get out bowls, and even pre-fill sippy cups with water (pop them in the fridge).

• Bags: Pack daycare or school bags, snacks, and any essentials.

The fewer decisions you have to make (or battles you have to fight!) in the morning, the better.

2. Master the Art of the "Easy-On" Outfit

Young children love their independence, and often, that means wanting to dress themselves. Embrace it! Choose clothes that are simple to pull on and avoid anything with tricky buttons, zips, or complicated layers for everyday wear.

And when it comes to shoes? This is where Mix Kix truly shines! Our 100% slip-on sneakers are designed for small hands and feet to manage on their own. No laces to tie (or untie!), no fiddly buckles—just pure, effortless independence. Slip our shoes on like socks, this simple change can shave minutes off your getting-ready routine and boost your child’s confidence. 

Plus, because our sneakers are so vibrant and colourful, it actually makes kids excited to get dressed! When shoes look this fun, the "put your shoes on" battle becomes a thing of the past. Ready to make getting dressed fun as back to school starts? Explore our full range of colourful sneakers here!

3. Implement a Visual Routine (Hello, Predictability!)

Toddlers thrive on predictability. A visual routine chart, using pictures or simple drawings, can work wonders. It helps them recognise "what comes next" and reduces resistance.

• Brush teeth 🦷

• Get dressed 👕

• Eat breakfast 🥣

• Put on shoes 👟

• Go outside! ☀️

Let them move the marker or sticker as they complete each task. This empowers them and takes some of the pressure off you to constantly direct the show.

4. Build in "Buffer Time" (Because Life Happens)

Always add an extra 10-15 minutes to whatever time you think you need. A tantrum about toast, a sudden need to re-enact a dinosaur roar, or an unexpected toilet trip can derail even the best-laid plans. This buffer time allows for those inevitable toddler-isms without you feeling rushed or stressed. Plus, if you actually finish early, you get extra time for a cuddle or coffee!

5. Create a "Launchpad" for Out-the-Door Essentials

Designate a specific spot near the door (a hook, a basket, or a small shelf) for everything you need to grab just before leaving. Think keys, hats, sunscreen, the daycare bag, and yes, those perfectly prepped Mix Kix sneakers! Knowing exactly where everything is located cuts down on frantic searching and keeps the departure smooth. To keep things even simpler, we recommend keeping your Mix Kix matching socks right next to their shoes. Because our socks are custom-matched to our sneaker collections, it makes it incredibly easy to coordinate a cute, play-ready outfit in seconds—no more hunting through the laundry for a matching pair!

Ready to simplify your mornings? Shop our 100% slip-on sneakers and matching socks today!