When Good Mornings really are Good


This is sponsored content by BlogHer and Kelloggs.

What's my ideal morning like? It's a day when I get to sleep past 8:00 AM. If I'm really being greedy, I'd say it's a day when I get to sleep past 8:00AM, stay in bed till 9:00AM, then go downstairs and discover that Alfie and the kids have already had breakfast AND cleaned up after themselves, so I have the kitchen all to myself, to enjoy a leisurely breakfast of oatmeal or yogurt or bagels or toast, to read my Newsweek or check email on my phone, while everyone else sits in the living room (or anywhere but the kitchen).

This is what I call a Good Morning.
You can imagine how often that happens. Most days, a good morning is one where we get to leave for school by 8:00 AM without forgetting anything or without me screaming at any of the kids. If everything goes according to schedule, I'm a happy camper. If the schedule falls apart, so do I. Which means that starting my day on a positive note depends on several things: 1) Brush my teeth This has nothing to do with my schedule and everything to with my schedule. If I don't get rid of that stale feeling in my mouth, I can't wake up. To get up and do what I have to do, I don't need to take a shower, I don't need freshly-ironed clothes, I don't even need breakfast (I do, actually, but I prefer to wait until the morning rush is over, when I can sit and enjoy it) -- all I need to do is get that toothbrush in my mouth and that mouthwash in my throat. The minty smell and taste wakes me up and gets me started. There's nothing like having clean, minty-fresh breath to get me through the morning! 2) No Surprises If I know what needs to be done for the day, I can plan accordingly. If it's a Tuesday, the kids need to have their Monday Envelopes. If it's a Thursday, they need their library books. Does The Pea have a field trip that week? Musn't forget to send some money. I try to write out a list of things to do the night before, or put everything that needs to go with the kids in the morning right in front of the back door, so we don't forget it. 3) It's a Team Effort Those days when mama did everything are long gone. Now that the kids are older, I expect them to choose their own outfits, get their own breakfast (which is why they always have cereal and milk) and pack their own bags. I handle lunch prep, breakfast cleanup, sunscreen application and schedule management. And it works like a charm -- not only do things get done faster, I'm also teaching them to be independent and helpful. Seeing them get their own bowls, pour their own cereal and stack their dirty dishes in the sink always cheers me up! Whatever you do to make your mornings good, make them even better with Bonggamom Finds! I'm partnering with BlogHer and Kellogg's to bring you some fun breakfast topics, from morning routines to cereal to family breakfast traditions and more. Join me every week through October 2010 for a new discussion -- and a new giveaway for a $100 Visa Gift Card! Win a $100 Visa Gift Card One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a $100 Visa Gift card courtesy of Kellogg's and BlogHer. To enter, just leave a comment on this post and share some tips on how to start the day on a positive note. You can get extra entries by tweeting and blogging about this giveaway, making sure to include a link to this giveaway in your tweet or blog post. Just leave a comment on this post and share the link to your tweet or blog post. Entries will be accepted until September 27, 2010. For full giveaway rules, click here. You can also gain 24 extra chances to win $100 by visiting the BlogHer.com Kellogg exclusive offers page. Good luck! The Mom's Breakfast Club was started to help educate moms and families about kids' cereal and share the scoop on their nutritional benefits and ingredients. Kellogg's helps moms keep their morning simple with cereal varieties for everyone in the family. For more information, visit www.loveyourcereal.com. This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Kellogg's. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

109 comments, leave yours here:

Mami2jcn on September 21, 2010 at 10:44 AM said...

A good breakfast and a talk with the kids around the table is a good way to start the morning.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

KaHolly on September 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM said...

Morning is my favorite time of day. I rise early, full of creative energy, grab a cup of coffee and head out the door to enjoy the quiet, glad to be able to hear nature around me before the rest of the neighborhood comes to life.

Amy B. on September 21, 2010 at 6:35 PM said...

I start the day on a positive note by hopping out of bed when my kids wander in and letting my husband sleep in
Thanks for the giveaway!
Amy B.
adennispac@yahoo.com

Tabathia B on September 21, 2010 at 7:27 PM said...

I get the kids breakfast together and we talk about what they wil do during the day at school and once they are out I then eat a muffin
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B on September 21, 2010 at 7:28 PM said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/25175640302
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Katie on September 22, 2010 at 6:36 AM said...

I wish I had some good ideas for you, but if I can manage a goodbye kiss for my daughter and a pleasant "have a great day" then I feel like I did pretty well. :)

kt1969 at comcast dot net

Just call me "B" on September 22, 2010 at 12:24 PM said...

I try to get up earlier than they do, and get my morning all sorted out...before everyone wakes up!

Anonymous said...

I wake up early and make breakfast for my daughter and get her off to school on time.

MCantu1019@aol.com

Shannon on September 22, 2010 at 2:40 PM said...

I'm not a morning person but I try to get a little snuggle time in before I drag myself out of bed and head for coffee.

Betty N on September 22, 2010 at 4:37 PM said...

I am a morning person so I am up before anyone else and have my bowl of cereal in peace and quiet. I can look forward to each new day and the joys and challenges it will bring

Anonymous said...

I have two small boys, so there is no possible way to ENSURE that the day starts off on a positive note. Little boys are prone to be unreasonable about the silliest things (I didn't want ketchup on my sandwich today, or a fight to brush their teeth). I try to stay on our tight schedule - not leaving much room for negotiation. Get them up and out the door quickly and efficiently. Avoid conflict. Never try to make any important decisions (like if a they can have a playdate this weekend) during our morning routine. Most important of all, we start with a kiss and hug!

Shelly Leatham on September 23, 2010 at 12:14 AM said...

I start off with prayer and then I have breakfast with my daughter and we chat about having great expectations for the day!
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Shelly Leatham on September 23, 2010 at 12:15 AM said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/sleatham1/status/25286389166
bleatham*at*gmail.com

Kelly Massman on September 23, 2010 at 5:27 AM said...

I start by trying to be quiet in the morning to meditate!
kmassman gmail

Brooke on September 23, 2010 at 5:54 AM said...

Stretch. Shower. Consume coffee.
This does miracles before 7am.
shutterboo at gmail dot com

Robin M. on September 23, 2010 at 8:01 AM said...

Do as much as possible the night before... clothes, bookbags, lunch, etc.

Racingjourno on September 23, 2010 at 9:40 AM said...

A strong cup of coffee gets me going and, usually, puts me in a good mood to start the day.

scoopster(nospam)at yahoo dot com

Racingjourno on September 23, 2010 at 9:42 AM said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/LuigiFranco/status/25323057183

scoopster(nospam)at yahoo dot com

abitnerdy on September 23, 2010 at 10:58 AM said...

Tip #1 Stretch first thing in the morning. Streching is good for mind & body :)

Tip #2 No negative energy. No raising voices, no checking work e-mails before you've washed your face.

:)

abitnerdygirl [at] gmail [dot] com :)

abitnerdy on September 23, 2010 at 10:59 AM said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/abitnerdy/status/25328819974 :)

audreyscountrycrafts on September 23, 2010 at 11:38 AM said...

I wake up about 1.5-2 hours before everyone else. Have a cup of coffee, check emails, do some blogging and basically wake up all the way and get rid of the grouchies. That way at least I'm happy when everyone else gets up :)

audreyscountrycrafts at gmail dot com

meeyeehere on September 23, 2010 at 2:58 PM said...

I wish I looked pretty when I slept! I always have my crusty mouth open and a rats nest of hair all over the place.To start off a good positive day I take a very hot bath and drink a very strong coffee
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com

Betty on September 23, 2010 at 4:23 PM said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/25352047464

Natalia said...

I turn on my favorite music.

natatheangel at yahoo dot com

John said...

No headache will make my day!
jdrombo AT yahoo DOT com

Henry on September 23, 2010 at 5:46 PM said...

Three little words hold the key to a postive start to the day: cup of coffee!
quitecontrary1977@hotmail.com

sodahoney on September 23, 2010 at 6:21 PM said...

I walk 2.5 miles, shower, eat a protein enriched breakfast.

sodahoney on September 23, 2010 at 6:22 PM said...

http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/25361388275

jakiesmom on September 23, 2010 at 6:29 PM said...

good morning from my son..then we hug and tell each other we love them...then i get coffee and he gets apple juice

nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

sy on September 23, 2010 at 6:32 PM said...

we make sure our tummys are filled and try not to nag too much.
songyueyu at gmail

sy on September 23, 2010 at 6:32 PM said...

i tweeted http://twitter.com/syytta/status/25362189000

Eva said...

Make sure to have a good breakfast so we won't be hungry during the day.
evil_eva12 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like to start my morning off with fruit, cereal and cottage cheese, then it's off to the gym for me!

Tracy R on September 24, 2010 at 11:15 AM said...

some quiet time in the morning helps- even if it's just 5 minutes.

fostertam on September 24, 2010 at 2:14 PM said...

I pray in my car every morning on the way to work--can't get much more positive than that!!!

fostertam on September 24, 2010 at 2:15 PM said...

http://twitter.com/fostertam/status/25439325398

Jen on September 24, 2010 at 5:13 PM said...

I take a few minutes in the shower to review my Grateful list. That's a list of everything I'm grateful for in my life.

Kerry on September 24, 2010 at 7:15 PM said...

To start my day out positive, I try to set the alarm and wake up with plenty of time to spare. We all get grumpy if we are rushed!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry on September 24, 2010 at 7:19 PM said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/25460932568
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Anonymous said...

we always share kisses before we're out the door! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

http://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/25462094188 scg00387 at yahoo dot com

Leah @ A Butterfly In My Stomach on September 24, 2010 at 11:05 PM said...

We never miss breakfast and prayer helps set the mood for the day!

leahforlove(at)aol(dot)com

Leah @ A Butterfly In My Stomach on September 24, 2010 at 11:06 PM said...

http://twitter.com/leahforlove/status/25475743915

tweeted!

BeeCute on September 25, 2010 at 12:28 AM said...

Main: Positive mornings start with a good night's sleep. Then eat a healthy breakfast. Try not to rush, and be sure to give your kiddos kisses and hugs, and that's all you need for a great day!

mandmvaught@centurylink.net

BeeCute on September 25, 2010 at 12:45 AM said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/mandmvaught/status/25480401209

mandmvaught@centurylink.net

Henria O. on September 25, 2010 at 12:57 AM said...

I make sure that my children go to bed around the same early time each night. That way, they can sleep as long as they need to and I never have to deal with cranky, tired children who are upset over having to wake up prematurely!
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

LAMusing on September 25, 2010 at 1:12 AM said...

I am NOT a morning person! So laying out stuff the night before helps. If I'm really dragging, some upbeat music while I dress helps start the day on a positive note :)
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

LAMusing on September 25, 2010 at 1:15 AM said...

tweet! http://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/25481712974
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

Norma said...

Enough sleep and a good breakfast are key!
bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

Luvdaylilies on September 25, 2010 at 6:47 AM said...

Great tips to start your day~Count your blessings, enjoy a great cup of coffee and take time to have and enjoy breakfast=)
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

Anonymous said...

Getting things ready the night before and getting up before everyone else and getting things organized helps tremendously in getting things off to a good start!
HobartsMama {AT} AOL.COM

Angie B on September 25, 2010 at 4:22 PM said...

I try to kiss my hubby goodbye everymorning before I leave for work. angiewith3 at live dot com

Angie B on September 25, 2010 at 4:23 PM said...

RT'd giveaway: http://twitter.com/angiewith3/status/25539426429
angiewith3 at live dot com

susan1215 on September 25, 2010 at 4:30 PM said...

I get my self up 1/2 before my children so I can get ready in peace and while they are getting dressed I make their breakfast. I have time to eat with them.

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 on September 25, 2010 at 4:30 PM said...

http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/25539818717

Unknown on September 25, 2010 at 5:00 PM said...

To make sure my day starts right - A smiling baby, a kiss from my hubby, a small prayer and a huge cup of coffee! Breakfast for the baby always - for me....well, that may be optional.

Melanie
mel2266@gmail.com

wigget on September 25, 2010 at 7:27 PM said...

i start out on a positive note by having a cup of coffee

GARIANNE on September 25, 2010 at 7:47 PM said...

LOTS AND LOTS OF COFFEE!
DOMGAR1@VERIZON.NET

Amy on September 25, 2010 at 8:00 PM said...

The easiest way to make this Momma have a good day is coffee and lots of it, LOL!

laprochaine at gmail dot com

Amy on September 25, 2010 at 8:01 PM said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/laprochaine/status/25554628134

laprochaine at gmail dot com

Angel Jacklyn on September 25, 2010 at 8:58 PM said...

I LOOOOOVE SLEEPING IN. IT SEEMS LIKE MY WEEKENDS ARE ALWAYS BETTER THAN DURING THE WEEK kytah00@yahoo.com

Angel Jacklyn on September 25, 2010 at 8:59 PM said...

TWITTERED http://twitter.com/kytah00/status/25558744139 kytah00@yahoo.com

Angel Jacklyn on September 25, 2010 at 9:00 PM said...

BLOGGED TOO! http://hypnoticblend.blogspot.com/p/sponsored-giveaways.html kytah00@yahoo.com

marybug2 on September 26, 2010 at 7:45 AM said...

Wake up early and drink lots of coffee with your frosted mini wheats.
marybug2@yahoo.com

marybug2 on September 26, 2010 at 7:47 AM said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/marybug2/status/25595764159
marybug2@yahoo.com

007blond on September 26, 2010 at 9:00 AM said...

I start out with Coffee, hunny toast, and CNN news. Than I wake everybody else up.

Anonymous said...

lol cute pic! I NEED my coffee in the morning, helps me not be cranky lol ;)

shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/lipstickncandy/status/25606930767

shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

Dee on September 26, 2010 at 10:35 AM said...

Saying good morning with a smile and eating a delicious and healthy breakfast such as oatmeal or cereal with fruit is a given. But I always play music to get out of bed and do a dance do one song. It energizes everyone for the day when you play a great positive song and shake it! :) deeg131 at gmail com

Dee on September 26, 2010 at 10:36 AM said...

tweeted! :) http://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/25609387948

deeg131 at gmail dot com

Dee on September 26, 2010 at 10:42 AM said...

blogged :)

http://deegee13.xanga.com/733343845/breakfast-campaign-giveaways/

deeg131 at gmail dot com

Unknown on September 26, 2010 at 11:21 AM said...

When I want to have a good day, I wake up 15 minutes before I get my 14 year old daughter out of bed and have a Diet Coke and relax before the chaos starts. My daughter is not the most pleasant person in the morning and it's a bad combo if I'm cranky too....much better for me to psych myself up for 15 minutes before she gets out of bed.

shel704 at aol dot com

Unknown on September 26, 2010 at 11:23 AM said...

Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/25612775773

shel704 at aol dot com

Lexiquin on September 26, 2010 at 1:00 PM said...

This may seem a bit obvious...I think if you go to bed peacefully, it contributes to waking up in a cheerful manner. Easy for me to say--I love the morning! It's my favorite time of day. I get up and start my coffee, then go brush my teeth. After I've had a cup of coffee I'm ready to greet whatever lies ahead. I shower, drink more coffee than, a little while later, eat some breakfast. My kids are old enough to get their own food and they really enjoy the many varieties Kellogg's has to offer. I only cook breakfast on the weekend and they appreciate it when I do.
Loved the picture! Thanks for the giveaway!
aleq13@gmail.com

Lexiquin on September 26, 2010 at 1:04 PM said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/#!/lexiquin/status/25619588932

Emily N. on September 26, 2010 at 1:56 PM said...

a good breakfast helps give me energy for the day and a quick 5 minute walk after breakfast helps ease digestion and rev my metabolism so I don't feel sluggish.

ewhatley on September 26, 2010 at 5:22 PM said...

I get up early and my favorite way to start the day is to watch the sun rise over the bay. It's different everyday and so beautiful, you know your day is off to a great start.

ewhatley at embarqmail dot com

Unknown on September 26, 2010 at 6:09 PM said...

My son and I start off the day snuggling together and singing a few songs before we start getting ready for the day. Those are the moments I treasure..since he's a wiggly 2 year old, snuggling is few and far between!
rachel_demille at yahoo dot com

Unknown on September 26, 2010 at 6:10 PM said...

Tweet http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/25641825815
rachel_demille at yahoo dot com

Unknown on September 26, 2010 at 6:26 PM said...

We go to bed early, east breakfast together and tell the kids how important they are before they leave in the morning!
gmissycat@yahoo.com

Unknown on September 26, 2010 at 6:27 PM said...

Tweeted giveaway
http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/25643214948
gmissycat@yahoo.com

Unknown on September 26, 2010 at 7:01 PM said...

Always say "I Love You" and hug and kiss before you leave the house!

Unknown on September 26, 2010 at 7:04 PM said...

Tweeted

http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/25646163593

Colleen at Forty Something Bride on September 27, 2010 at 4:56 AM said...

A great way to start the morning is with a hug and a kiss from my sweetheart!

Maggie Smith on September 27, 2010 at 6:38 AM said...

I start off my day by laying in bed and decompressing before letting my feet actually hit the floor. My 2 year old watches TV in his room (quietly) so I am able to get 15 minutes of me time in the morning!

newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com

Maggie Smith on September 27, 2010 at 6:39 AM said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/royaldixie/status/25686971392

newmommyin08 AT yahoo DOT com

Lori on September 27, 2010 at 7:06 AM said...

Well rounded breakfast. Sing, dance or just listen to a song. Pay your kids a compliment.
lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com

won on September 27, 2010 at 7:57 AM said...

I'm with you! Can't do anything until I brush my teeth.

won on September 27, 2010 at 7:59 AM said...

http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/25693869233

Thank you!

Barbarawr on September 27, 2010 at 9:09 AM said...

Go for a walk first thing in the morning. Then when you hear TV commercials about getting more exercise, you can feel good knowing you've already done it.

And it feels SO good just to get the exercise!

bsw529 at gmail dot com

Barbarawr on September 27, 2010 at 9:10 AM said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/bsw529/status/25700091441

bsw529 at gmail dot com

tristatecruisers on September 27, 2010 at 9:49 AM said...

My husband and i start our day off with a cup of coffee and when the kids get up--they have cereal before heading out to school. :)

marci
tristatecruisers at yahoo dot com

Hannah Q. Parris on September 27, 2010 at 11:16 AM said...

My mornings ALWAYS have to start with breakfast, but my best days also begin with reading the paper and talking to my husband be work.

Anonymous said...

I ensure a bright start by drinking a warm cup of coffee and reading the newspaper on the porch.

We try to share breakfast as a family, but the weekdays get hectic and we usually sit together on the weekend.

pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/25712905608


pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I enjoy sitting in my favorite chair & having the sunlight shining in the window while I soak in the word from the Son of God...my personal devotions help to start my day right!

~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com

Anonymous said...

http://twitter.com/tigergal01/status/25720730585

tweet

~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com

katklaw777 on September 27, 2010 at 2:47 PM said...

Get everything ready the night before...it makes school mornings so much easier. I am a night owl so I make lunches and get ready for breakfast after the kiddies are in bed. A calm morning is a good morning.

katklaw777 on September 27, 2010 at 2:49 PM said...

I tried to subscribe via email but it says that the link is broken. I would like to subscribe via email. katklaw777 at yahoo dot com

Unknown on September 27, 2010 at 2:49 PM said...

I get up before everyone else, so I can get 'em all going
bepoia(at)hotmail(dot)com

Erica best on September 27, 2010 at 4:59 PM said...

getting up in the mornin early so u will have time eat something and u get some stuff really at night it really helps.

purple_lover_04 at msn dot com

Erica best on September 27, 2010 at 5:00 PM said...

i tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/25734864282

purple_lover_04 at msn dot com

JJ on September 27, 2010 at 7:21 PM said...

Plenty of Sleep but since that never happens I make sure the kids have plenty of sleep

JJ on September 27, 2010 at 7:21 PM said...

Tweeted
http://twitter.com/jjudy04/status/25746484160

deb126 on October 11, 2010 at 5:01 AM said...

The start for us begins with our morning Coffee, I set the coffee pot up the night before so its ready for me just to turn it on, then I wake up my husband with his coffee and we both get online to catch up on emails and daily news, then its breakfast time which most mornings is oatmeal, and a Nutra grain granola bar, then its off to work
thanks for the great giveaway

deb126 on October 11, 2010 at 5:03 AM said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
phxbne on October 21, 2010 at 8:38 AM said...

lay out clothes the night before

phxbne on October 21, 2010 at 10:06 AM said...

http://twitter.com/#!/phxbne/status/28044415844

bonggamom on November 5, 2010 at 10:13 AM said...

Congratulations to the winner: #91, Lori!

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