For many families, getting everyone ready and out the door on time seems like an impossible task. There are clothes to choose and put on, breakfast to eat, teeth to brush, backpacks to find, and shoelaces to tie…the list can feel even longer when we are in a rush! With preparation and practice, you can set up your family’s morning routine to go more smoothly and help your child to become more independent. Plan Ahead The first thing to consider is what you can prepare the night before. Do you have to help your child find a pair of matching shoes or gather all of their papers into their backpack before you can leave the house? You may wish to have shoes, backpacks, coats, and masks waiting by the door before going to bed. If picking an outfit is a struggle, your child could pick two shirts and pants the night before so they have just a couple options to choose from in the morning. If your child has a difficult time staying on task and completing each step of the morning routine, you could create a morning routine checklist for them to follow. Create Rules Think about some simple ground rules that can help your children understand what is expected. The rules should be clear, short, and positively stated. If your children tend to bicker and fight in the morning, a rule could be “we are kind to each other.” If you find yourself repeating instructions multiple times, consider a rule like, “we follow instructions the first time.” It’s important to discuss the rules with your children and model how to follow them. After you create your rules, decide on some rewards and consequences that are consistent and immediate. The easiest reward to use is praise! Give your children specific, genuine praise when they are following the rules. Some other simple rewards include getting to pick what color cup they get to use with breakfast, getting to watch TV if they finish getting ready early, or choosing the music on the way to school. For some children, simply not earning a reward is enough of a consequence. If your children break a rule during the morning routine, you can calmly remind them of the rule and provide an opportunity to practice the desired behavior. Practice Pick a stress-free time to practice the morning routine, such as a Saturday afternoon, and walk through every step with your child. Kids love to role play, and you can make it fun by taking turns being the parent and the child! This practice will help your child understand the routine while helping you figure out what expectations are realistic. You might realize that waking up 10-15 minutes earlier will make it easier to get through the routine. You may also notice that your child needs more guidance on certain tasks, such as brushing their teeth independently. Put the Plan into Action Finally, it’s time to try out the routine. You might find it helpful to have brief, calm follow-up discussions to review what went well and set goals for next time (“You did really well following instructions today, let’s see if you can remember to be kind tomorrow”). Be patient with your children (and yourself!) as everyone gets used to the new routine. When your children have the morning routine down, you may be able to phase out certain rewards and consequences. Make sure you continue noticing and praising their good behavior!
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) at Nationwide Children’s
Learn More
For many families, getting everyone ready and out the door on time seems like an impossible task. There are clothes to choose and put on, breakfast to eat, teeth to brush, backpacks to find, and shoelaces to tie…the list can feel even longer when we are in a rush! With preparation and practice, you can set up your family’s morning routine to go more smoothly and help your child to become more independent.
Plan Ahead
The first thing to consider is what you can prepare the night before. Do you have to help your child find a pair of matching shoes or gather all of their papers into their backpack before you can leave the house? You may wish to have shoes, backpacks, coats, and masks waiting by the door before going to bed. If picking an outfit is a struggle, your child could pick two shirts and pants the night before so they have just a couple options to choose from in the morning. If your child has a difficult time staying on task and completing each step of the morning routine, you could create a morning routine checklist for them to follow.
Create Rules
Think about some simple ground rules that can help your children understand what is expected. The rules should be clear, short, and positively stated. If your children tend to bicker and fight in the morning, a rule could be “we are kind to each other.” If you find yourself repeating instructions multiple times, consider a rule like, “we follow instructions the first time.” It’s important to discuss the rules with your children and model how to follow them.
After you create your rules, decide on some rewards and consequences that are consistent and immediate. The easiest reward to use is praise! Give your children specific, genuine praise when they are following the rules. Some other simple rewards include getting to pick what color cup they get to use with breakfast, getting to watch TV if they finish getting ready early, or choosing the music on the way to school. For some children, simply not earning a reward is enough of a consequence. If your children break a rule during the morning routine, you can calmly remind them of the rule and provide an opportunity to practice the desired behavior.
Practice
Pick a stress-free time to practice the morning routine, such as a Saturday afternoon, and walk through every step with your child. Kids love to role play, and you can make it fun by taking turns being the parent and the child! This practice will help your child understand the routine while helping you figure out what expectations are realistic. You might realize that waking up 10-15 minutes earlier will make it easier to get through the routine. You may also notice that your child needs more guidance on certain tasks, such as brushing their teeth independently.
Put the Plan into Action
Finally, it’s time to try out the routine. You might find it helpful to have brief, calm follow-up discussions to review what went well and set goals for next time (“You did really well following instructions today, let’s see if you can remember to be kind tomorrow”). Be patient with your children (and yourself!) as everyone gets used to the new routine. When your children have the morning routine down, you may be able to phase out certain rewards and consequences. Make sure you continue noticing and praising their good behavior!
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) at Nationwide Children’s
Learn More
