UP & AT ‘EM!
Get Everyone Out The Door Smiling Each Morning
K
By Christina Katz
ids become competent in increments. Every time
a child becomes cheerfully autonomous, parents
win, too. I don’t remember the exact year my
daughter crossed the line from needing help getting
out the door in the morning to being able to manage
everything herself. But I do remember the thrill when
she could finally tick each step of preparation off an
imaginary list in her head. Here’s how to practice getting
your kids out the door smiling every day until the entire
process becomes routine.
Set Expectations. Everyone must wake up by a certain
Pre-plan. Have a family meeting on Sunday afternoons
or evenings so you can discuss the plans for the week, go
over logistics, and sign permission slips or write checks.
Stocking the fridge and cabinets over the weekend
makes Monday mornings go much more smoothly.
Sandwiches are tough to make without bread and fresh
fruit and veggies are musts for growing kids. If you want
your kids to feel prepared to face their days, show them
that you are prepared to face each week, as well.
Post A Checklist
time if your family is going to have enough time to You know your child needs to put on shoes, brush her
make a smooth transition from home to school. Alarm teeth, make her lunch, and pack her backpack, but
clocks must be set. Bedtimes must be adhered to and it’s going to take time before these practices becomes
may need adjusting as the school year rolls along. Cell routine. Create a customized checklist in the order she
phones and other electronic devices must be put away needs to do things to facilitate a smooth transition
at night and stay away until right before leaving the from waking to leaving for school. Post it somewhere
house. accessible, like on the stairway or inside the door to
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