Tips on Getting Your Child to School on Time Everyday

If you have a school-age child, as I do, I'm sure you've had that kind of morning where nothing is in order. That frustrating kind of morning where nothing seems to be getting done and you can't seem to get your kid out of the door on time.

Whether your child has to catch the bus, walk to school, or you drop them off, these mornings are not only stressful for you, but it's equally stressful for your child. It can be especially hard for you if you have to be at work and you have a not so understanding boss. More so, if your boss doesn't have children of their own.

My daughters school is only two blocks from our house and I drive her every morning. I don't know how it is for everyone else, but at her school, if you're even a couple of minutes past the morning bell, the child must get signed in by a parent. The looks and attitude I have received from the main office staff is unbelievable! Like they've never been late for anything before!

Here are some steps to take to make sure your child gets to school on time everyday. They are especially helpful for families with multiple children. If you follow the steps, not only will your child get in a routine, but so will you.

Make sure your child gets enough sleep every night. Few things are worse than trying to wake up a child that hasn't gotten enough sleep.

Typically, children should get, at the least, 10 hours of sleep each night. Set the bedtime accordingly, to the time that you will need to set the alarm in the morning.

Set your alarm to give yourself ample time in the morning. If you time it right, you should be able to have extra time in the morning to relax, have a cup of coffee, load the dishwasher or whatever.

Give your child incentive. Tell them that if they're completely ready quick enough and if there's enough time left over, that they can watch T.V. before leaving for school.

• Make sure your child has had their bath or shower the night before.
• Spend a few minutes to pick out their clothes for the next day, including socks, underwear and shoes. Set them somewhere near the bed so when they wake up, they can dress right away. Sundays are laundry days in my home. Make sure to ask your child if there is anything specific that they are going to want to wear that week. Make sure to have an entire weeks worth of clothes clean and ready to wear.
• Decide what breakfast will be. Set out on the counter, what you can. For example, if they will be having cereal, set out a bowl and spoon. Set the box of cereal out next to the bowl, along with their morning vitamin.
• Make sure homework is done, school bag is packed and set by the door.