As you might expect, responsibility varies with age, and getting back into the school routine is no exception. Most parents realize they’ll be offering plenty of guidance to a kindergartner, but older children should move through the morning routine in a timely fashion. Truth us, some children need remedial lessons for getting out the door on time without resistance–regardless of age.
When the first day of school finally arrives, think of yourself as the getting-out-the-door coach. You’re right there helping with socks and shoes, putting toothpaste on toothbrushes, handing each child his backpack and lunch box as he walks out the door. As the days go by, you’ll back off and give only verbal and visual cues: “It’s time to get your socks on; I’ll watch you do it. You did it all by yourself; good for you.” By thoughtfully withdrawing your support, your children have a better opportunity to take on and manage their own responsibilities.
Here are some additional tips for getting everyone out the door on that first day back to school:
Explain how life is going to change. A week prior to the first day, offer a precise description of the morning routine: “I’ll wake you up at 7:00, and you need to be dressed by 7:30 for breakfast. I expect you ready with your backpack, lunch and coat to walk out the door at 8:00.” Young children need practice. For some kids, it helps to use a pictorial chart that includes each step.
Adjust your kids’ bedtime. Start getting kids in bed earlier each night–beginning about a week before school begins. You can’t force them to sleep, but you can make sure they’re snuggled in bed looking at books.
Wake up and get ready before everyone else. If you work outside the home, this step is crucial. During those first few days, the transition is much smoother if you’re available to guide your children every step of the way.
Give reminders. Most kids learn to move through the morning routine in a timely fashion. Others need reminders until high school graduation: “Son, I think you forgot to brush your teeth.”
State the obvious. “Your coat is on; now put on your shoes.” Later, give one-word directives. Just say “shoes,” or ask, “What are you supposed to do next?”
Avoid yelling and harsh treatment. Negative ingredients are all too quickly embedded in the routine. No parent likes to send their child out the door after a screaming match.
Tack on an additional task. Once the morning schedule is routine, you can add an element: throwing dirty clothes in the hamper, making beds, packing lunches. Most children adjust to the new school year after a week, but if after a month your child resists getting up and going to school, it’s time to evaluate the situation. Start by talking to your child’s teacher. Remember, your goal is to get your children up and out the door on time so they can move securely through the school day and reach their academic potential.
Ask yourself how you want the school year to go; then ask yourself how you can help to make it happen.
