Do mornings feel rushed and chaotic? Are the phrases “Hurry Up!” or “Let’s Go!” common place while trying to get out of the door in the morning?”

It happens. Mornings usually consist of time constraints but does, “hurry up” encourage kids to move faster? Statements like this don’t help teach kids to manage their time. Instead, phrases like this (and the accompanying tone) often activate the stress response – so when kids are told to “hurry up,” they are more than likely to freeze, run away, or fight the morning routine.

Repeatedly telling your child to hurry up can make them feel frustrated, stressed, anxious or worried. Sometimes it can even cause them to freeze up and unable to think about what to do next.

Check out these 4 steps to ease through morning routines:

• Give kids a specific task to do – The more specific the task, the easier it is for kids to follow. “First I need you to put your socks on and then bring me your shoes so I can help you put those on.”
• Let them know why you need to get ready and go – Explaining the “why” helps your child them understand the rationality behind the need. “If we don’t get your socks and shoes on, we will be late for school, and you might miss circle time.”
• Connect first, then request the need – Take a few minutes to acknowledge your child and their world, look at their perspective and validate first. This helps them feel seen and understood which will make it easier for them to listen to your requests. “I see you are playing with your baby doll right now. What is your baby doing? I’m going to set a timer for 3 minutes and when we hear it, we can know that it’s time to get your socks and shoes on.”
• Remember playfulness – Being playful and silly can lighten up most situations and create a climate of agreeability where your child wants to work together towards a goal. Create games, sing songs, or use silly voices to inspire cooperation. “The train is leaving the station in 5 minutes! CHUGGA CHUGGA CHOO CHOO!! When your socks and shoes are on and you’re ready to board say “Ready, Set, GO!”

Mornings can be a stressful time but keep in mind that it is the foundation for the rest of the day for you and your little one. So, prepare ahead of time when possible and be intentional about creating a morning that sets the tone for your child to have a positive start to their day. Remember that every day is a fresh start, and we get to be a part of making it the best day possible.