How to Deal With Morning Troubles

Kids just don’t have that same sense of urgency as their parents. When they feel they’re being forced to move quickly, they often don’t move as quickly. It’s a power struggle to get kids out of the house on time for school! So here's some ways to ease the morning stress!

Get them up

First, try to get up on the right side of the bed — start the day with a “Hi, sweetie, how are you?” and a little hug. No orders, no “hurry up,” just that. It’s more respectful, and it’s setting the tone.

Having trouble getting sleepyheads out of bed?Give kids the responsibility of setting their own alarms and getting up on time. If you can manage it, allow kids to experience the natural consequences of sleeping in, such as a late slip or seeing the principal, rather than writing a note. Sometimes that does a lot more to solve the problem than anything we can do.

Get them fed
We know — it’s the most important meal of the day. But is it worth fighting over? Experts say no. Some children aren’t hungry in the morning and they do better to have a sandwich, apple or muffin on the way to school. In order not to fight, say, ‘This is breakfast time. Here’s the food, and it’s up to you if you’re going to eat it or not. But when the clock shows this time, either breakfast is over, or you put it in a baggie and bring it with you.’” By giving kids the choice, the power struggle is avoided.

Get them dressed
Lay out clothes the night before, with your child’s stamp of approval, and as early as possible, encourage children to dress themselves, with clothes that are easy to put on.

What if your child dawdles or refuses to get dressed? Put their clothes in a bag and take them to school. If they want to change, they will!

Get them moving
Younger kids often respond well to checklists, with photos of their tasks in chronological order so that they can tick each one off.

Keep in mind, too, that dawdling is a great way to get a parent’s attention. So remove yourself as the source of attention. Standing at the door and declaring that it’s time to go, or that you’re waiting in the car, will often light a fire under your child.

Get them inspired
It’s not your role to ensure everything gets done, your role is to train the kids to do it on their own. Brainstorm ideas for a morning routine that works for everyone, including what’s for breakfast and what time everyone must be out the door. Then the kids know the expectations, and they’ve had a say.

Found on MSN Liefstyle