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
time if your family is going to have enough time to
make a smooth transition from home to school. Alarm
clocks must be set. Bedtimes must be adhered to and
may need adjusting as the school year rolls along. Cell
phones and other electronic devices must be put away
at night and stay away until right before leaving the
house.
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
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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
You know your child needs to put on shoes, brush her
teeth, make her lunch, and pack her backpack, but
it’s going to take time before these practices becomes
routine. Create a customized checklist in the order she
needs to do things to facilitate a smooth transition
from waking to leaving for school. Post it somewhere
accessible, like on the stairway or inside the door to
her room. Update checklists annually because school
responsibilities evolve and kids can manage a little more
each year.
Create Enthusiasm. Home is safe and cozy, but adventures
take place on the other side of the door. What is your
child enthusiastic about? Animals, nature, and friends
are all waiting for them out in the world. Sensitive
or introverted kids may not be that enthused about