![\"ThinkstockPhotos-78288918\"](\"http:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/ThinkstockPhotos-78288918.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\u2022 Establish a Set Routine – A non-negotiable routine must be created and adhered to. An important part of the routine is establishing consequences for failing to follow them. If your child understands the repercussions of not getting up the first time they are called, and understands that they will be enforced, they will be more likely to abide by them.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Stagger Wake-Up Times – If you’ve got more than one kid in the house, and especially if you have a large family, consider staggering wake-up times for greater efficiency. Start with kids who need assistance first, or the ones who move at a snail’s pace come mornings.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Determine Choices in Advance \u2013 Decide what your children will be eating for breakfast and what they will be packing for lunch the night before. Also choose and lay out your child\u2019s entire outfit, including accessories before you go to bed. Not waiting for the last second to make these choices will help avoid arguments over meal choices and identify potential wardrobe issues such as stains or tears.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Only do What is Important \u2013 By getting caught up tackling chores that you don\u2019t have time for, you are setting yourself and your children up for failure. Consider creating a checklist of what absolutely must be done each morning and leave the other stuff until you get home.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Designate an Essentials Area \u2013 Pick a place in your home for everything you will need the next morning. Shoes, backpacks, car keys, and cell phones should be placed in this area every day, so you don\u2019t spend unnecessary time hunting for them in the morning and running the risk of missing a bus or a train.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Be a Good Role Model – If you are grumpy and lethargic in the morning and running late yourself, then how can you expect your children to behave differently? A good tip is to get yourself up 10 minutes before your kids to brush off the cobwebs so you can greet your children with a positive attitude when they wake up.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Getting yourself AND your children ready in the morning can sometimes seem like an impossible task. Follow these tips to avoid the mania associated with trying to get your kids out the door for daycare or summer camp and still … Continue reading