The art of "on time"

I have three wee children who (cute as they may be), have very different personalities and are fighting to be the center of attention at all times. Kate and Frank are 23 months apart and Frank & Caroline are 14 months apart, so it's really no wonder there's competition. I cannot tell you the number of times I've heard, "HOW do you do it?"

How do I do it?

I get up, and I do it, and if I haven't lost my mind by the time all three are in bed, then I've done my job as "mom".

The other question people ask is how I manage to be on time. I manage to be on time because I make it a priority and because it's a pet peeve of mine to be late. Habitual lateness makes others feel that you believe your time is more important than theirs. It's the truth.

I can't stand being late, and I can't stand when people are late. My "secrets" to being on time aren't really secrets at all, but I'm happy to share them, anyhow:

1. Start preparing eight weeks ahead. I am exaggerating, of course, but my point is to prepare for whatever you need to do ahead of time. Lay out and iron outfits, fill up your gas tank, pack diaper bags, shower and load up the car the night before your excursion. Don't wait until the last minute to do all of those things because when you do, those are the moments your children will have stage 5 meltdowns, guaranteed. It's Murphy's Law.

2. Mapquest sucks. If you are relying on Mapquest to get you somewhere you've never been before, count on at least one wrong turn, or a step telling you to turn onto a road that you cannot due to a one-way or a U-turn. My rule when using Mapquest (or any other map website) is to leave a half-hour early. If the directions say that it will take me an hour to get somewhere, I leave an hour & a half before my appointment. This allows room for error (wrong turns, traffic, etc.).

3. No one cares, Heidi Klum. As in, no one cares what you look like. You're a mom. It's okay to go out without makeup sometimes. The world will not end. If you are always late because you're perfecting the distance between eyelashes, you've got a problem. Try going out without primping beforehand just once. Betcha five dollars no one will care (or notice) that you don't have makeup on. All you need to worry about is having a presentable outfit (which you prepared ahead of time) and your hair clean & brushed.

4. Play the "get in the car" game. For those of you with children that like to give you a hard time when it's time to get into the car, I feel your pain. Play the "get in the car game" with older children. The first person to get in the car without throwing a fit wins a prize. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate; the winner can pick the radio station you listen to or get a sheet of stickers to play with during the drive.

5. Make the drive pit-stop free. Potty breaks and/or new diapers right before you leave are necessary. Pack snacks, beverages and extra bottles. Bring toys & other things to keep the kids entertained. The more you have on hand to keep your children meltdown-free, the more likely you are to get to your destination on time without having to make a pit stop (or five). I cannot recommend The Laurie Berkner Band enough. Their music is a big hit in the car and has calmed a fussy baby or two in my parenting days.

Other Tips:

* If you are going to a new place you've never been before & have an appointment, have their number & a cell phone on hand for the drive so that if you are running late, you can call & let them know.

* Make sure you have your license, registration & an up-to-date insurance card in your vehicle before you leave. A few months ago I was pulled over for the first time in my entire life, and I didn't have an up-to-date insurance card in my glove box. My car was almost impounded. Don't make the same mistake I did. It was not pretty, and neither was the ticket I received.

* Always keep spare change in your middle console in case you hit unexpected tolls.

We want to hear from you! If you have any other tips or tricks that help keep you & your family on time, leave us a comment!

-Beth