EASY MORNINGS

The start of a new school year can be exciting and hectic for any family. The stress of getting up, ready and out the door on time can cause tears for both children and parents. One way for a more relaxing and calm morning is a checklist. It's an easy concept that works. The key, is to have your child use it on their own from the creation of the list to the execution.

Together, create a list asking your child what they need to do to get ready for school. Work together to determine the order of the tasks, i.e., eating breakfast then brushing teeth, and have the child write or make pictures for the checklist.

When morning comes keep referring back to the checklist until your child develops a sense of independence and begins to check off the items each morning without as many prompts.

To bolster self esteem, praise your child when the tasks are completed, admire their effort, and highlight their creativity in any problem solving to complete tasks.

To cultivate resilience have your child continue to work on a task until they master it like tying their shoes, buttoning their shirt or even making breakfast. Again, put emphasis on these successes, "Wow, look at you tie your shoes all by yourself! I remember in September when Mom had to help, now you have all on your own!"