Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

7 ways to survive the morning rush:

It’s no secret that getting out the door on time, ready for school, work and childcare is a challenge for many parents.
By Janet Powell
Date: March 26 2012
Editor Rating:
mom_kids_nurture_1-210x143

Here are some tips to avoid some of the pitfalls and leave home happy and calm:

1. Give yourself and your child enough time - Trying to do everything in a short time-frame is likely to mean you are rushing, getting stressed, and your child will become stressed too. A stressed child is less likely to be co-operative.

2. Explain why you are doing what you’re doing - Children generally respond better when they understand why certain things are happening, for example, why you need to leave home at a particular time and why your child has to go to childcare.

3. Pick your battles - Don’t make everything an issue or a power struggle. Ask yourself “Does it really matter?”, “What is the worst thing that could happen if I allow this/don’t get this done/am five minutes late.”

4. Make sure your children get enough sleep - Have a bedtime routine that means your child is falling asleep at a reasonable time. Adults need 7 to 8 hours sleep each night, children need more. A tired child is less likely to be co-operative.

5. Deal with little problems before they become big problem - For example, if your child is struggling with a breakfast he can't eat, do something about it before he gets really upset or angry. Let him know that he needs to eat at least half the toast, or find a different cereal.

6. Don’t start something if you don’t want it to continue and form a habit - For example, giving your child a lolly at breakfast as a reward for getting dressed. Rewards can quickly turn into expectations on the child’s part. Let the reward be a smile, a hug, a happy parent.

7. Use natural consequences as your discipline - If things are not going well and the routine is out the window, teach acceptable behaviour by allowing the natural consequence to follow unacceptable behaviour, rather than unrelated punishment.

And a final word- Don’t use threats. Saying to your child “I’m leaving the house right now with or without you” as you walk to the door, will only upset and worry your child. You don’t want to have a fearful child, or damage your relationship with your child, and threatening is not a good way to start the day.

Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach of Mentor Maestro helps parents create wonderful family relationships and overcome the challenges of parenting today. 

For further information visit:

www.mentormaestro.com.au

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
0 Total Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
dad-and-baby
Paid parental leave will be extended to fathers from next…
Read more
kids-running_300
A new study that found almost 50 per cent of…
Read more
little-farmers
Farmers want more investment in agricultural education after a survey…
Read more
ipad-apps
Some beneficial educational apps that are also fun to use
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.