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Am I the only one that struggles getting little ones ready in the morning? Whether there is somewhere we need to be at a certain time or not, I like to be ready for the day. I guess it helps me feel like we are all being more productive.
Currently, for a variety of reasons, we are homeschooling (more on that later) but I still like to have a schedule for the day, for myself, and my little ones. It has worked out that we start our school day at 9:00 and for much of the school year I have struggled to have us and the house ready on time. But then, a week ago, I came up with this idea...an alarm system!
This is how it works...I set alarms on my phone when the boys need to get going! I let the boys pick the alarm sounds with me...so the alarms are some of the most annoying sounds, but hey, it gets them going (a robot, a duck, a dog, an alien, a motorcycle, etc)! So when they hear the first one, they know they are to run and say their prayers. Then after a few minutes, the next one goes off and they are to make their bed, the next alarm means they should be getting dressed, then at the next alarm, brushing their teeth, then picking up any clothes/toys and straightening their room. I did 5 minute, 4 minute, 3 minute, 2 minute, 1 minute. So this means we are ready in 15 minutes (that is a miracle)! I also make it so they should be done 15 minutes before school time so that if they have any jobs or other things to finish up, they will still have time to do it.
We've been doing this for about a week, and so far it has worked quite well. The alarms are telling my boys to get their things done instead of me! And man alive, when it's me sometimes it isn't very pleasant, because my patience tends to go out the window when I've asked the boys 100 times to make their bed or get dressed or whatever! Yes, I've still had to remind them. But for the most part, they hear the alarm and start running to go do what they need to do. It's amazing!
I know different things work for different kids, so this alarm system may or may not work for you, but hey, it's worth a try! What's important is to find what works and motivates your child...do they like to be timed, do they like to make it a game, do they like to get going with music, do they like rewards (remember rewards can even be verbal praise!), do they like responsibility? There will probably be some trial and error, but you'll find it!
You are know your child best, I'm guessing after a few tries you'll find what works. Here's to a happy morning routine!