We will soon start back to school. I actually have to get up and get my three children ready and out the door by 7:30. I am anything but a morning person, so for me to wake my not-morning-people kids is a bit of a challenge. I've found that sticking to a nightly routine is the best way to make sure things go smoothly with a 8, 6 and 3 year-old in the morning.
So my tip for Works-For-Me-Wednesday is how to get toddlers and young children to stick to a nightly routine. I made a checklist for each task they have before bed. These include:
- Homework/ Reading
- Get pajamas on
- Set out tomorrow's clothes
- Decide what you're having for lunch
- Brush Teeth
Download this in Microsoft Word! Nightly Routine.doc
The most important aspect of this checklist is that it is in pictures. This way, my pre-schooler can follow along as well as the first grader. They simply love checking these things off, and the best part is that I don't have to nag about each thing! They can never say "You didn't tell me to do that!" or "I forgot." Now, each morning, they have all their clothes out, so I just have to slide them on sleepy bodies.
I use the checklist each week to award allowance. They also have to clean their room on Saturday. If being prepared isn't a great motivator, money usually does the trick!
So, do you use a nightly routine, and how do you tackle getting ready in the morning?
After you comment, head on over to We Are That Family to see more great ideas!
13 ~POST A COMMENT!:
Great idea. Is there a way to print that list? I am always looking for easier mornings.
I love your picture list! We did a similar thing with Daisy. She is 12 now and does all these things on her own even sets her alarm and gets herself up (most of the time)! So it is definitely worth the effort when they are young.
I'm not sure about blogger but on wordpress you can upload word files in the same way that you upload pictures. You browse for the file on your local drive.
I discovered your blog a week or so ago and have enjoyed reading it - especially the Mother Daughter Carnival.
OK, I had to use FileDen, but I added a download.
Don't forget to set the alarm!
I've always used a routine but never wrote it down.
At times I have trouble waking up and the children now know what to do... wake me up..LOL..and then start getting ready and have breakfast.
A routine especially pays of when one is ill. I can pay attention without them getting lost in time.
Have a great day.
Routine is a must with my "special" guys. Change the routine and the behaviors change...not for the good either. :)
This is a great idea! I too love the way your list is all done with pictures. How cute!
I do NOT have a good routine for the evening or morning. I'm a terribly unscheduled person. We're homeschoolers so I let both of those times slide WAY too much. Thanks for the encouragement to have a routine and be consistent about getting ready.
Duckabush Blog
Ok...so stupid question, but where did you put the download? It is probably right in front of my face...
The follow-along picture list is a great idea! Thanks for the tip!
My new plan is to have a check off chart like this for morning and evening that also includes their chores. They each get a roll of quaters to start the month and have the potential to earn $10.00, but if they don't do something, they have to pay me a quater. A friend gave me the idea. she gives her granddaughter a roll of quaters every week, but I have 3 kids and can't do that now and besides they are happy with the possiblity of $10.00 a month
Oh, that's a great idea to start with a certain amount, and make them pay when they don't complete something.
I have a numbered list for the nightly and morning routines posted in our hallway between all rooms and by the bathroom.
I like your picture idea. It would help my 5 and 6 year old if there were pictures. I think I'm going to make special picture ones for them.
Thanks for sharing!
Love this!!!! I think I might try it.
Love it! My son thrives on having routines posted.
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