There's just something about dancing to "Party in the USA" in the morning that leaves everyone in a good mood. How can you be grumpy after you've thrown your hands in the air, moved your hips and nodded your head...like yee-ah? Miley Cyrus really is the cure-all for whining, pouting and frowning in our house. The mornings are probably the most frustrating part of the day for me, and I think this is true for lots of parents. Trying to get the kids fed, dressed and out the door by a certain time isn't always easy...especially when the kids are resistant or grumpy. We could have all the time in the world some days, and it's still a struggle to get out the door. As I wrote in my last blog, both of my kids are up early, so waking them up isn't the issue. It's just that sometimes Julie gets in her own little world and it takes some effort to nudge her along. I skimmed an article on Yahoo the other day that talked about what it takes to be a happier parent. There are two questions you can answer to make you happier, the article said. 

(1) When are you most happiest with your kids? 

(2)What is the most frustrating part of the day? 

After thinking about these two questions, try to increase those happy moments and address the frustrating parts by finding solutions. Dancing to Miley Cyrus in the morning answers both of those questions. I really am happiest when I'm dancing around the house with my kids like a maniac. Julie loves dancing and listening to music and Johnny seems so happy bouncing around on my hip. In the afternoons we blare the song "Queen of Hearts" by Juice Newton. Find it on iTunes. That's a great song and so fun. This morning I changed it up a bit and played "Queen of Hearts" before we left. Julie had definitely gotten out of bed on the wrong side and I was getting frustrated, but I bit my tongue, ignored the whining and put on the music without saying a word. Immediately, Julie grinned from ear to ear and started jumping around the kitchen. We danced around as we put on our coats and shoes, and then we bopped out the door. Problem solved and we were on our way to a better day.