Do you struggle with chaotic mornings or evenings (or both)? There are ways to end the struggles, or at least make them more manageable. Want to learn more?
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a stickler for routines. My favorite word is consistency, which means, I will help you establish a routine, and then help you and your family actually stick with it!
Here are 5 ideas to help make your mornings (or evenings) less stressful and easier to manage:
1. Open the lines of communication:
It doesn’t matter how old your children are, you can all discuss what steps need to be taken each day in order to get to daycare or school on time. Then you can come up with a plan together.
For example, “We need some help getting our morning (or evening) routine down, and make it more fun for all of us. Can you help us remember what the different steps are that we need to do every day? I know that we all need to brush our teeth every morning. What else do we need to do?”
2. Make a list of what you need to do.
Ask your kids to brainstorm what needs to be done. Involve them in the list and have them help you put the steps in order. Depending on the ages of your children, you can either use words or pictures (or both) so that everyone can “read” the chart that you’re creating together.
Take a bath
Brush Teeth
PJ’s
Read Books
Tuck into bed
You might need a morning chart and an evening chart, or even individual charts for each child. It doesn’t matter how many charts you create, the goal is to keep everyone involved and following the steps.
3. Emphasize time frames for your ultimate goal, if you find this step helpful for your family.
If you need to leave the house at 8:30 to get to school on time, work on your schedule together and have the kids help you determine how long everyone needs to get ready in the morning.
For example:
Wake up: 7:00 AM
Breakfast: 7:30 AM
Get Dressed: 8:00 AM
Brush Teeth: 8:15 AM
Shoes on: 8:25 AM
Leave home: 8:30 AM
4. Choose where to put your new chart(s).
Once you’ve created your new chart, decide as a family where it belongs. Is it most useful in the kitchen or upstairs near the bedrooms? Ask your kids where they think it will be most helpful for them.
5. Be prepared for some pushback, so remind them how great they’re doing when they follow their steps. Be mindful that your kids might want to test their boundaries to see how serious you are with this new routine, so stay consistent, and watch how smoothly your days and nights become in no time!
As you use your new charts, praise your kids and use them as gentle reminders to continue to get ready. “I love how you put on your PJ’s all by yourself. Now what’s next on your chart to get ready for bed?”
By involving our kids in our family challenges, we are teaching them how to problem solve, about responsibility, and are building their self confidence.
If you’re still struggling, with creating a routine or following an already established routine, reach out to me. I’m always available to troubleshoot and work with you to get everyone on a healthy schedule and routine.
Sweet Dreams! 😴👶