Curbing The Morning Craziness

As we know getting ourselves out of the house in the morning can be crazy enough, but add to that a child or two, a pet, making lunches, prepping dinner so you don't eat at 10 PM and maybe throwing in a load of laundry from the wet bed sheets the night before, brings it to an entirely new level!

Creating routines for your family, especially your children can help make your morning go smoother, at least 90% of the time. 

A few things to remember when creating a routine for the family:

  • Keep it simple.  Simplicity is our school motto this year.  Don't get too detailed.  Use picture cards if your child does not read.  
  • Get your kids involved.  Let them have some say in the routine if applicable.  Use a chart if helpful.  If they want to get dressed before breakfast be flexible.
  • Communication is KEY.  Make sure your child knows what is expected of them and try your best to stick to it.  Once established you can be a bit more flexible if needed.
Sample morning routine for preschoolers:

1. Wake up and go to the bathroom
2. Brush teeth 
3. Get dressed
4. Eat breakfast 
5. Put on shoes 

The second KEY element to success is independence.  Teach your child how to dress themselves and put on their shoes.  Let them make some choices.  I promise no one is judging you if they come to school in their rain boots on a sunny day!  Set out breakfast items for them to choose.  Let them be part of the process.  For example, in our house when the children were younger I would offer 2 choices for breakfast.  We had a small pitcher available for them to pour their own milk and cups on a low cupboard shelf. (small juice pitcher) I would put fruit out for them to choose independently. They would get their own drink and fruit while I prepared the rest of their breakfast.  

Power struggles are greatly reduced when you give a child a sense of empowerment, control and independence.  Here are some helpful pointers about routines from Positive Discipline by Jane Nelsen and Adrian Garsia.  More information can be found at https://www.positivediscipline.com/




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