By Breanne Kallonen
May 12, 2017
To be honest, our mornings lately have been stressful and frustrating as I’m sure many moms of a Kindergartener can relate.
I find that getting the kiddos to bed by 7/7:30 is the “sweet spot” so I don’t have to literally drag them out of bed when the alarm goes off. We wake up around 7:15 allowing 45 minutes time to get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, wash face etc. and get in the car to be at school on time.
The struggle lately has been REAL!
“Okay time to get dressed please.” My first request is always pleasant, but by the 5th time of asking the same thing and the clothes STILL are not on, my patience is literally zero.
“Please get dressed”
“Remember, you are getting dressed”
“Socks please.”
“Yes you need a shirt.”
“Okay now pants.”
“No you cannot wear shorts it’s freezing”
“Concentrate on what you are doing.”
and It goes on and on and on…
It seems there is always something more interesting to do and my words go in one ear out the outer. Can you relate?
I feel like if I am not standing right there, it won’t get done. And to clarify it’s not that he can’t do it, or that he doesn’t hear me. Some of it has to do with the fact he’s only 4 but I’m pretty sure he would just rather not listen (at least to me). Anyone else have this issue?
Today was the day that I felt like consequences needed to be set for continually not listening. What came to mind was removing privileges like TV time (aka mommy’s sanity, so this wasn’t the ideal choice), or special treats/outings. I truly don’t want my children to miss out on opportunities and I don’t like the idea of using food as a reward, so I asked him what he felt was a good consequence. He came up with what I think is a brilliant idea.
My soon to be 5 year olds’ solution to this problem is to place a little trinket in the front pocket of his backpack on days where he listened and followed our morning routine. The best part is he suggested that I use small toys or items we already had (perfect)! He said he would look forward to the surprise at the end of the day. He also said he would help me remember – I think he’s picked up on my “mommy brain” lol.
I like this idea because it is in line with positive discipline, meaning rewarding good behaviour instead of punishing the bad. Positive discipline is something I came to learn not too long ago through my Attachment Parenting Educator training. I also love that it is FREE and it’s something he came up with on his own.
I thought I would share this for other moms of young kiddos who struggle with ideas to help facilitate “good” behaviour. We will start this out tomorrow and I will be sure to let you know how it goes.
If you have other ideas on how to get your kids to follow directions (a little faster) I would to here them just comment below!
XO
Breanne