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Managing the morning rush: How to stay calm and in control
Modern life is faster and more demanding than ever before. There is so much to do, and so little time, that many adults feel in danger of meltdown. How you start the day makes a real difference for the whole family. Getting ready for the day ahead should get everyone off to a great start but sometimes it doesn’t turn out that way. Are you sometimes so busy that you feel rushed off your feet? Do the adults in your house have a sense of urgency while the children dawdle as if they have all day? Here are some tried and tested tips for keeping the morning routine running smoothly. It can feel like your children are doing it on purpose but there is a different explanation. Children’s brains are not yet ready to handle a rapid sequence of tasks, and they do loose track easily. Your child is not trying to be awkward or disobedient, children find it really difficult to hold a future goal in mind such as ‘getting to school by 8.30 am' whereas adults can do this easily. Step 1 Accept that children are different from adults and can’t yet do all the things you have been practicing for years. Adults are good at abstract thinking and planning ahead. Adults can conjure up a strong vision of how it will feel to get to work on time (or get stuck in traffic) and can work out all the steps in the plan to ensure you run to time.
We can make a good plan and stick to it. Children do not become abstract thinkers until they are 11 or 12, by then adolescence is on its way, which is another story. Children find it harder to create a vivid picture of the future and really feel the fear (of being late) or elation (of passing exams because homework is always done on time). Step 2 Divide the morning routine into small steps. Children respond better to small steps which focus on present outcomes. These tiny stepping stones lead them on gently.
Here’s one way to offer your child a plan they can achieve.
• Prepare as much as you can in advance: lay out clothes and pack bags.
• Give your child one step at a time as a choice 'do you want to wash your face first or clean your teeth first?' The illusion of choice wraps up an instruction in pleasant packaging. Step 3) Offer an inducement to reward effort. Offer something appealing as part of the routine 'if you are downstairs by 8.00 am you can choose a treat for your lunchbox' or 'if we are in the car by 8.15 am we can listen to ....' in the car Working in the present with your child's natural focus of attention will take some of the stress out of busy mornings. Step 4) Get your family involved Once everyone notices that things are better this way do get them involved with making suggestions about what would streamline the morning routine.
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PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
Happy2Learn
Happy2learn: creating a good childhood
www.happy2learn.co.uk
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