This or That: School Morning Edition

School mornings are like a real-life version of “Survivor.” Only instead of tribes competing for food, it’s parents competing against the clock, children competing with socks, and everyone just trying to make it out the door without losing their sanity.

But here’s the fun part—what if we looked at the chaos through a “this or that” lens? You know, like those Instagram polls we all secretly love. Let’s play a little game: School Morning Edition.

Because if we can’t laugh about mornings, we might cry… and nobody has time for mascara streaks at 7:30 a.m.

1. Wake Up Style: Gentle Alarm vs. Human Foghorn

• Gentle Alarm: Birds chirping, sun rising, a perfectly curated playlist to ease everyone into the day. This is the Pinterest board version of waking up. Bonus points if your kids stretch and yawn like they’re in a Disney movie.
  
  

• Human Foghorn: You, five cups of coffee away from functional, yelling “GET UP!” down the hallway while simultaneously searching for your phone, your shoes, and your sanity.
  
  

Let’s be real—most of us dream of the gentle alarm, but reality often leans toward foghorn vibes.

2. Breakfast Mood: Michelin Star vs. Grab-and-Go

• Michelin Star: Eggs, pancakes, fruit neatly cut into stars, maybe even avocado toast (because #momlife goals). You serve it with a smile and freshly brewed coffee in your favorite mug.
  
  

• Grab-and-Go: A granola bar in one hand, a banana in the other, and the hope that your child doesn’t find the leftover Halloween candy stash before school.
  
  

Honestly, the grab-and-go isn’t a failure—it’s a strategy. A peanut butter toast counts as gourmet if you squint, right?

3. Outfit Situation: Laid Out or Chaos Closet

• Laid Out: You planned ahead. Clothes folded neatly the night before. Socks actually match. Angels sing.
  
  

• Chaos Closet: You’re knee-deep in laundry baskets, muttering “Where are your pants?!” while your child insists on wearing a Halloween costume in February.
  
  

Pro tip: If they’re dressed, fed, and make it to school before the bell rings—you win. Even if they’re wearing Spider-Man pajamas.

4. Commute Vibes: Carpool Karaoke vs. Silent Ride

• Carpool Karaoke: Singing Taylor Swift at the top of your lungs, kids joining in (or rolling their eyes), but at least everyone’s awake.
  
  

• Silent Ride: The unspoken agreement that no one talks before 8 a.m. because moods are fragile and caffeine is still kicking in.
  
  

Honestly? Both work. Choose wisely depending on your kid’s current “I’m a morning person” status (spoiler: they’re not).

5. Send-Off Style: Calm Hug vs. Drive-By Drop

• Calm Hug: You park, walk them up, give a loving hug, and wave until they disappear through the doors. Heartwarming, movie-scene energy.
  
  

• Drive-By Drop: “Love you! Don’t forget your lunch!” yelled out the car window as your child does the Olympic sprint to the school entrance.
  
  

Both end with your child at school, so either way… success.

Final Thoughts

Parenting is full of this or that moments, especially during the chaos of school mornings. So instead of beating yourself up for not being the “gentle alarm, Michelin star breakfast, calm hug” parent every day, give yourself credit for showing up. That’s the real win.