So what’s a parent to do to both get out the door on time and with as
little conflict as possible? Dr. Anderson recommends several things.
Plan ahead
First, regardless of a child’s age, think about what can be done the
night before such as making lunches, taking showers, organizing
backpacks, and laying out clothes. Talk with your kids as to what
needs to get done in the morning. “It’s great to have these discussions
when cooler heads are prevailing and we can really problem solve
about how to get things done in an efficient way,” Dr. Anderson says.
b WILD
SUMMER CAMP
ADVENTURES
Parents of younger kids need to focus on being clear about what
needs to get done, helping them develop this list into good habits.
This can be accomplished by noticing when a child is successful, then
praising him for those successes. It’s also helpful to break tasks down
into very small steps and then noting how well the child is trying to
comply or do things independently.
Those with older kids could help them develop an organizational
plan—a list they could check back on to make sure each step is
completed. “We’re all more effective when we’re very clear with
ourselves about what steps we might need to take and realistic about
what we actually have time to get done,” he says.
Temper expectations
Dr. Anderson also says it’s a good idea for parents to prioritize the
essential steps—what must get done—vs. the “icing on the cake”
steps, at least at first. HURRY...
Exactly what is essential? “The reality is often that the child at least
has all of his clothes on, has something in his stomach, and has
brushed his teeth,” he says. “If we can get those three things done
somehow, either before the child leaves or on the way to school, and
reinforce the child’s progress, then we can start to build those habits
and make it so that mornings are easier in the future.” QUICKLY!
Once the essential steps become habit, parents can focus on the
“icing,” which can include things like a child keeping his hands to
himself around a sibling, making his bed and organizing his things.
Use visual prompts
Dr. Anderson says that especially for younger kids who are on the
autism spectrum or have ADHD, “we absolutely want to make it
so that any behaviors we’ve defined as target behaviors are also
prompted visually so that they can remember and, over time, start
to independently do them.” Visual prompts might include posted
schedules and photos of targeted behaviors, such as a picture of a
child brushing her teeth near the sink.
With typically developing children and teens, the amount of
visualization needed varies: “There are kids who only need their
parents to give instructions verbally and then they can usually
remember them and follow through. Certain kids need either more
reminders or time to form these habits,” notes Dr. Anderson.
Create incentives
When it comes to making mornings better, rewards are also key. They
can be either short term, involving some kind of immediate treat or,
because of the time crunch, earned privileges to be enjoyed later.
CAMPS FILL
SUMMER CAMP
PROGRAMS
Half & Full Day Camps
(Ages 5-17)
Cub Club Programs
(Ages 2-5)
Register online at
centralfloridazoo.org/summercamps
For questions email
[email protected]
or call 407.323.4450 x 123
3755 W Seminole Blvd (I-4 exit 104), Sanford
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