It’s no secret that getting out the door on time, ready for School, Work and Childcare is a challenge for many parents.

Learn how 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.

Eg. Why you need to leave home at a particular time, 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 problems

Eg. 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

Eg. 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.

Eg. Having the television on while your child is supposed to getting ready or eating breakfast. TV is a time-sapping distraction and teachers recommend that there be no screen-time before school.

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.

Copyright  Janet Powell, 2011

Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach of Mentor Maestro   helps parents create wonderful family relationships and overcome the challenges of parenting today. With Janet’s help, parents gain skills, strategies, self-insights and the confidence to be the best parents they can be. The result is less stress and more fun in the family, while parents achieve their goals.

Contact Janet on 03-9889-3991 or janet@mentormaestro.com to find out how.