While time management is not a developmental skill until around 10-13 years of age, you can still set up your morning routine to help your child feel successful. It might help you feel less stressed at the same time.
- Create a written schedule or picture schedule depending on the age of your child. For example, 1. Get up 2. Eat breakfast 3. Brush your teeth 4. Pack your backpack 5. Get in the car/leave for the bus.
- Use a timer. Not all ages can tell time so using a visual timer can help create a sense of urgency in your child.
- Have a place for everything. Keeping things like papers, backpacks, shoes and coats in the same place can help your child find what they need quickly.
- Give them something to look forward to. Creating something that children are working for can create motivation to work through their morning routine. For example, “If you get through all of your morning routine, you will have 10 minutes to watch TV before you have to leave.”