Morning Hell continued....

[fiveallmineblog]

After my post about the problems and stress I was having getting my 5 kids off to school every morning, I feel compelled to share how I solved my morning stress.  Thanks so much to everyone who replied with ideas and support, I really appreciate it.

Even though we have been as organized as possible, my mornings since school started have left me feeling stressed and guilty.  Kissing my beautiful kids goodbye after yelling at them all morning long left me drained and sad every day.

Last night I decided that I am DONE with telling anyone what they need to do in the morning.  Even my 4 year olds.  The truth is that all my kids know what they need to do, they just get distracted.  I warned everyone last night they were on their own from now on.  No more direction, no more racing back to school for forgotten items, no more raised voices. 

My 7 year old was stressed that he would forget his lunch bag-but he didn't!

I didn't tell anyone of them what to do and guess what?  They were motivated, and kept moving, and we were the FIRST ones in the school yard!!!!This has NEVER happened before and it felt good!!!!!!!!!We felt like stars today and I think tonight we need to celebrate our success!  I pray we can do this most, if not every, day (I have to be realistic!!)

 

[MSugarKane]

Oct. 8, 2009 at 9:44 AM

Excellent!  What you expect from a child, they will give to you!  

 

[SelaCarsen]

Oct. 8, 2009 at 9:49 AM

Do you have checklists for everyone? I found that until mine got into the habit of getting ready for themselves, the checklists were a huge help. They haven't needed to really look at the lists since before mid-term, but I keep them on the fridge just in case.