Mornings are hard!
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I just think it's hard anyway ...we were never meant to parent alone. I always try to allow more time from getting up to getting out the door, atleast 1 and half hours. It takes us 2 hours to do bedtime so we just allow time., with lots of mini countdowns. So back to morning -Some choices to let them feel like they have options. Do you want the blue shirt or the red one Do you want the white socks or the black one. - Countdown timers work for us to. I'm going to set a x minute alarm, when it rings, we need to be at downstairs for breakfast. - if they like music, I have a getting ready morning music they listen to everyday that gets them in a good mood. -Many kids do well with visual schedule,it worked for us for a while, it have velcro so after we complete one task, one child sticks it. E.g Wake up✓drink water eat✓cuddle✓change nappy Sometimes they go barefooted and shoes get worn in the preschool car park.
Another hard park in infusing some playfulness into it. Do you want to stomp like a dinosaur or hop like a froggie down the stairs. Some competition, not with themselves but with you like who can put on their shoes the fastest. If they like tickles , laughter can help lighten the mood rather than it feeling like a military operation.
@Irene here I am just handing the gummy vitamins 🤣. Tbh, I think that is a good idea. I don't see it as bribery but as giving them an incentive. Thanks and im sure you are doing a fabulous job too. It's not a job we are thanked for so appreciate you sharing your wisdom.
@Aderonke thank you so much for your response. There are some great ideas you mentioned. I have a playlist for their bath time, so having a morning one to improve their mood is a great idea. You raised a good point about making it fun. I feel like it used to but with feeling overwhelmed I've become more like a drill sergeant. So I take that advice on board. I will explore how I can implement choice during school days, as they have a strict uniform policy. Maybe I’ll give a choice with hair accessories.
Hey hun. Sorry you have to deal with 2 of them by yourself in the morning. I get help from their dad and I’m also VERY overstimulated every morning. As long as you’re out the door in time, that’s all that counts I guess. I’ve started giving my two (also 5&3) strawberry flavoured multivitamin gummies as ‘treats’ for doing what they need to (ie putting shoes and coats on) by the time we get ready. And everyday after breakfast, if they don’t have their tasks done, they don’t get a gummies until the following day 🤷🏽♀️ Is it bribery? Yes. Does it work? Also Yes!! They see them as ‘sweets before school’ so it works for all of us tbf because they get ready in time. I’m sure others might have better solutions though. You’re doing a wonderful job. All the best x