Spinning Head Posted October 7, 2008 Posted October 7, 2008 Can anyone give me any suggestions as to how to make the morning routine of getting up a seven and three year old, eating breakfast, getting dressed and heading to school/daycare more pleasant? Every morning it is the same battles and struggles such as not wanting to get up, not being hungry, not liking what is for breakfast, wanting to watch cartoons, the seam in the sock hurting her feet, not wanting to wear those shoes, etc., etc., etc. I've pushed bed time back earlier, tried to pick out clothes the night before, discuss breakfast the night before, no tv in the morning - but, nothing seems to work. Today was another morning - I was so glad to get to work and away from the morning drama! I would appreciate anyone's comments or suggestions as to handle the morning routine so we all start the day in a good mood!
Meaplus3 Posted October 7, 2008 Posted October 7, 2008 Can anyone give me any suggestions as to how to make the morning routine of getting up a seven and three year old, eating breakfast, getting dressed and heading to school/daycare more pleasant? Every morning it is the same battles and struggles such as not wanting to get up, not being hungry, not liking what is for breakfast, wanting to watch cartoons, the seam in the sock hurting her feet, not wanting to wear those shoes, etc., etc., etc. I've pushed bed time back earlier, tried to pick out clothes the night before, discuss breakfast the night before, no tv in the morning - but, nothing seems to work. Today was another morning - I was so glad to get to work and away from the morning drama! I would appreciate anyone's comments or suggestions as to handle the morning routine so we all start the day in a good mood! I'm in the same exact boat plus one more so I can relate to just what your going through. I like you have tried the same things as you and failed misreably many mornings. Now, I don't make things an option anymore I make them a must in order to receive a reward. I've started a chart and have it hanging in my kitchen. It's a chart with all 3 kids names on it. It's called the "Thank You" Chart. Each time I ask my children to do something by themselves they receive a Thank you for cooperating with me. When they do not cooperate, they get a Thank You taken away and they don't like that. The thank you's can be used for special items that they desire like a new book, video game or even something so simple as a little extra T.V. time on a day they desire it. So far it's working well. The battles have ceased and getting up and ready in the morning is much more delightful now. Good luck to you. AP:)
JamesM Posted October 7, 2008 Posted October 7, 2008 I have four to get off to school, and I take them to school. We get up at about 6:50 to 6:55 and leave the house by 7:25. They are between the ages of 7 and 12. They know the schedule and that is why it works. They know there is no extra time for playing, computers, game boys, etc. If they do not get up on time, then they are going to be rushing...because we leave at the same time. How did we do it? At first it was not as easy as it is now. It takes the strict demands that they stick to a schedule, and it means that I had to get grumpy for awhile...which is not hard for me in the morning. But once they figured out that I am happy if they just get dressed and cleaned on time, they learned that perhaps there is a reason. I start with the hardest part of all...getting myself out of bed. My alarm actually goes off about 6:30 or so, so that I have time to wake up and be somewhat cheerful. Then I stop by each room and shake each child. They groan and whine...depending on the boy. Sometimes the dog comes with me to wake them up. There is no better alarm than a 50# boxer jumping on you and licking your face enthusiastically! Unfortunately, she usually picks the same boy because he is in the bottom bunk and is easy to reach. He actually loves it. After I attempt to wake each one, then I get dressed before I return for the second shaking. It is now around 7. This time, I make sure they get up. At least one or two is already up. And then I go and finish cleaning and brushing teeth, etc. While I am making lunches, they finish dressing. I put the dog out and feed her. We are about ready for school. Breakfast is usually eaten in the car. Cereal or poptarts or waffles...which are prepared ahead of time is what they eat. So the morning goes. I am amazed every time we do it, and I am impressed with their ability to focus. You have a three year old. This makes it more difficult. The youngest that I have ever had to include in that schedule is a five year old. And it is harder then, but in that case I had the older ones who helped set the schedule for him. Since mine are boys, I am guessing there is less to getting ready than there is with girls...if I listen to what my sister tells me. And yes, the night before, they have a schedule. Bedtime is around the same time 9 o'clock for the younger two, and 9:30 for the older two. Either my wife or I set the clothes out for the younger two. A friend once told me years ago before I had children that the most important thing for children is schedules and routines. I find this to be true. It doesn't mean that one schedule is better than another. It means that a schedule that helps children know what is going to happen and what is expected makes everyone's lives so much easier. If every morning is different and sometimes something is okay while other mornings it is not okay, then the morning will not go smoothly. BTW, where is my wife in all this? Either sleeping or at work.
fox-in-socks Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 I have an 8 and a 5 year old. I find that allowing them choice is important in keeping them happy. "I am willing to make you eggs and toast for breakfast, or you can have cereal or waffles". Getting things ready the night before can be very helpful and save time, pack lunches after supper/before bed, let them pick out clothing for the next day. A checklist with pictures is a great visual reminder so that they don't have to feel like you're nagging them, you don't necessarily have to give them rewards for it either, it can simply be a reminder tool. If you're going to allow tv in the morning, perhaps waiting until all the things checked off their lists are done before they are allowed to.
Storyrider Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Mornings with kids suck. I've tried all the stuff above. This year when school started, my latest scheme was bribing them with M&Ms. One for getting out of bed, one for getting dressed, and one for getting in the car by 7:10. But then, the M&Ms spilled in my purse and melted into a sticky brown glob. Don't believe what they say about M&Ms... After that, I met the pickle woman, who was much crazier than me, and whose purse lining smelled a lot worse, but that is another story. Now I have a new purse, and we're back to square one.
Nemo Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 If you are bad, then the aliens will come and use their butt-probes on you tonight. And no, I'm not kidding.
underpants Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 Mornings with kids suck. I commend all parents. I had my nephew for a whole 2 days and I feel like I need a vacation. However, I was watching him so his parent's could take a much needed and deserved one. I'm exhausted and my house is a mess. Who knew you could paint walls with soap? If it wasn't my house I would admire the creativity and technique moreso I think. How do you do it...every day? Brave soldiers you all are. The chart thing sounded like a good idea. Rules and charts, get all Ross Perot on them. My nephew does follow a rule. I think this is because he hasn't realized that he can break them. He has begun to find loopholes however. It can be frustrating to lose a debate with a 6 year old.
Storyrider Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 It can be frustrating to lose a debate with a 6 year old. They don't mince words, that's for sure. ...I'vestarted going to Mass twice a month because my kids are singing in the choir. This past Sunday, as we walked out of church, the priest said hello and we stopped to chat. He asked our 9 yr old, in a friendly conversational tone, how she was doing, and she replied with a frown, "Some of my friends who used to be good have now turned evil!" She was thinking of the slumber party incident.
JamesM Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 I had my nephew for a whole 2 days and I feel like I need a vacation. However, I was watching him so his parent's could take a much needed and deserved one. How do you do it...every day? I guess the best comparison is...figuratively speaking, you were dropped into the junior high of parenting without having been taught the basics. Imagine taking pre-algebra without being taught what 1 + 1 is. Parents are taught from preschool on up one day at a time. It does become easier the more you are taught...until they become teens so I am told.
underpants Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 They say the darn'dest things dont' they? I love that.
JamesM Posted October 14, 2008 Posted October 14, 2008 They say the darn'dest things dont' they? I love that. Yeah, but when they are your own children, it can also be mighty embarrassing.
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