The morning routine is stressful for most families. When family members have behavioral or cognitive differences the morning routine can be harder. There is time pressure, the need to have materials gathered and a lot of transitions.
We have some tips* that can help things go more smoothly!
1. Provide visual or written schedules (for readers) to prompt what needs to happen next in the morning routine. Multi-step directions can make it difficulty for children to complete all tasks of them. Keep directions to one step at a time. The visual (or written) schedules are a supplement to oral instructions.
2. Have a “landing zone” at the front door for coats, winter gear, shoes, backpacks and paperwork. Each child will benefit from having a hook for winter gear and a basket or cubby for shoes and other winter items. With parent guidance items will be deposited in one place and easy to find in the morning rush.
3. Keep the morning routine the same as much as possible. When the routine becomes more and more practiced it will be easier for everyone to follow it.
4. Have simple items for breakfast. Cereal bars, granola bars, grab and go milk, juice boxes, and/or pieces of fruit. If things get off track everyone will still get fed on the go.
5. Prepare for the morning routine as much as possible the night before. Lay out clothing for the morning. Help your child to pack his/her school bag. This is also a great time to double check for papers and general chaos in your child’s bag!
6. A successful morning is helped by a good night’s sleep. Having a set bedtime is helpful for kids waking up the next morning. (See our previous blog series on sleep.)
7. Make sure to praise your child for following and sticking to the morning routine.
If your child is struggling with sleep, attention or behavior give us a call. We can help! Call us at 651-636-4155.
*Some information is from ADDitude magazine.