Morning - Get Up and Get Going HELP!

[MomOfAMermaid]

Friends, I am looking for ideas and/or articles on how we can improve my 6 year old mermaid (W/ ADHD and Sensory characteristics) to get up and get going!

Her routine is so heavy with our constant push - push to follow her routine. She is on meds but they can't be taken until she has eaten a good breakfast because she is a very tall and thin beauty.

We do wake her up and then give her 10 mins for a slow wake up. This alone has helped but then when it is time for food and clothes, the combative responses start. I admit we have not done our part in being very patient so we are working to 2 things at the same time - undo some unhealthy parent lead patterns and exchange with more support while she follows her routine.

I could write pages about our mornings, but I won't because I know that you know!

Instead, I will be open up to your helpful suggestions!

Thank you - from my heart to yours!

[ucandoit]

I make a list on a dry erase board. 1.get dressed 2.make bed 3.pack lunch....my daughter erases each one as she completes it. Otherwise, I spend my mornings nagging and yelling and end up exhausted before I even get to work.

[Janemariekathryn]

I went from constant nagging to what I now call continual encouragement . I try to explain each morning how I am trying to help my son to be ready for the day and to help him be his best. He often gives me an attitude. If I get angry I sense that I'm feeding his fire. So instead I stay firm and positive. Getting ready for school is a constant struggle. For my son, a good nights sleep, which by the way is another struggle, good nutrition and a positive attitude helps. My son is 13. I use to fight with him every morning and I felt aweful! Now it's here ant there. I think things are improving but I also believe I've adjusted and modified my tactics. Good luck!

[anirush]

when my grandson was young I put him to bed with his morning clothes on. It saved so much time and arguments.

[seller]

I feel your pain! Since we were constantly in a hurry in the mornings, I was into short cuts. We had our son wear his school clothes to bed in grade school. And I also got up earlier than he did, so I gave him his pill (mixed in jelly) and let him go back to sleep. This gave his medication a little time to get into his system before he actually had to get up, which helped with his organizational skills. I had his backpack all ready to go and he ate finger foods in the car....or ate breakfast at school or the sitter. No one is patient in the morning and it's not the time to have an overly-involved routine if everyone is in a big hurry. Another option is simply to get up earlier and allow more time to get ready.