Getting Out the Door with Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)

We’ve all been there.

Get your shoes on! Come on! We are late! Did you eat breakfast? Did you brush your teeth? You CANNOT wear that! Where is your library book? Let’s go!

Does this sound like your morning trying to get the kids out the door? Whether it is to school, a sports practice or church, getting the kids ready and to an event on time can be an Olympic event. Here are a few “training” tips to streamline the process and get a win.

• Plan and prepare ahead of time. The night before, pack snacks and lunches. Have the kids choose tomorrow’s outfit and ensure that backpacks are organized and all materials are in place. Have them check the back door: Are their shoes there, ready for the morning? Jackets on the hook? Try to minimize morning stress with organization and preparedness.
• Have an organized place for things. Many homes have cubbies in the mudroom for backpacks, homework, coats and shoes. Those without such space may assign a certain closet or a wall in their kitchen or hallway for such items. In my house, we have a school wall in our kitchen. Each child has a hanging basket for papers and his or her own marker board where we write the week’s schedule and any notes/reminders of events. Each of my three kids has his or her own space, which promotes the child’s responsibility to keep it tidy and organized.
• Discuss the plan and expectations with your kids. If the entire family is in the know, everyone can help pull together to beat the clock. Springing information on kids often leads to anxiety or an overly emotional response. Let your kids know what will be happening the following day, how much time they will have to get ready and what they will need to do. For example, on Sunday nights, remind them that it’s back to the grind tomorrow morning. They are expected to be downstairs, dressed, with teeth brushed and eating breakfast by 7:15.
• Use timers, checklists and rewards. Younger children who cannot yet read may do well with a visual checklist—a picture of a toothbrush, hairbrush, outfit and breakfast, for example—to help them remember all they have to do. Older children can write out their own checklists and hang them on their bedroom door. Set a timer and provide rewards for being on time. If your child is fully ready for school and has completed all items on the checklist by 7:30, maybe he is allowed to watch TV or play on the iPad for 20 minutes. Long-term rewards are also beneficial, such as providing a point for each morning your child is on time and doesn’t need prompting from you. Once she’s accumulated 10 points, she can trade them in for a treat she’s been wanting.
• Give yourself extra time. (And then even more time after that.) There is a reason why parents are chronically late. Always allow more time than you think you will need. Have your kids get their shoes and coats on 10 minutes before you have to leave the house. This allows for “I forgot to put on socks!” and “I have to go potty” and “I can tie my own shoes.” If everything goes perfectly well, kids can play or read books or take a few extra bites of breakfast for a few minutes while you enjoy a few sips of your coffee. Or, maybe, just maybe, you might arrive early for once!

Quiz:

1. Which of the following is NOT an appropriate expectation for kids as they get ready in the morning?

A.Get dressed

B.Brush teeth

C.Complete homework

D.Eat breakfast

2. Which of the following could be used effectively to promote timeliness in the morning?

A.TV or iPad time once child is ready

B.Rewarding points or taking points away based on efficiency

C.A special treat as a reward

D.All of the above

3. Where should backpacks, homework, etc., be stored before bedtime to promote a less stressful morning?

A.A centralized, organized location such as mudroom, cubbie or homework center

B.Child’s bedroom

C.Playroom

D.Wherever the child left it—it’s her responsibility 

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.