When our children spend so much of the day away from us at school, the moments we do have together are precious. But, they don't always feel precious in the whirlwind of getting ready and out the door each day. Sometimes it seems like no matter how much time we allot, it is never enough. After all, who can predict that last week's favorite train shirt would lead to a full-on toddler meltdown during your morning routine for school?

Here are a few things you can do to help your child have an easier morning routine when going back to school:

1. Talk it through

Choose a low-stress time, such as while riding in the car or eating a snack together, and talk through the morning routine with your child. Ask them what needs to happen in the morning before they go to school. Prompt with tasks they might forget, like brushing teeth or putting on shoes. Walk through all of the steps a few times so they have a good idea of what is coming.

While your child will inevitably still need reminders, this will give them a solid understanding of what needs to happen each day.

2. Make a picture chart

After you've talked through everything, make a picture chart for your child depicting the sequence of their morning routine. Take a picture representing each step—one of the potty, one of their toothbrush, one of their clothes laid out, etc. Or, have fun drawing the pictures together instead!

A picture chart provides even young children a resource, other than you, to consult when they're unsure of what to do next.

It can also be helpful if your child gets off track. Remind them to check their picture chart to see what comes next. This is more empowering than simply telling them exactly what to do, which is more likely to instigate a power struggle.

If your child is older, help them write a list, or draw their own pictures of what needs to happen in the morning and post it somewhere they will see it each morning, like by the bedside table.

3. Have your child pack their own lunch

Depending on your schedule, it is likely better to do this the night before, but encouraging your child to pack their own lunch helps them take ownership of their school day.

Worried their lunch will consist of nothing but crackers and grapes? Make a simple rule such as one protein, one grain, one fruit, and one vegetable. Help them think of options in each category.

If they're older, brainstorm what they would like in each category before you go to the grocery store. Anything you can do to help them feel like they have a say in the process will help the morning go more smoothly.

4. Offer limited clothing choices

Allowing children to choose their own clothes is wonderful, but it can be quite time-consuming in the morning. Lay out two options for your young child to choose from. Always put them in the same place, such as a small shelf in their closet, so they will know where to look in the morning.

For an older child, encourage them to lay out their own clothes the night before so they won't have to decide when they're still half asleep in the morning.

5. Allow a natural consequence

When the planning and picture charts don't work, try allowing a natural consequence to take place instead of nagging and repeating yourself. It may be a little unpleasant, but it will also be effective, and will likely only need to happen once.

Are they taking too long to get out of bed? There will be no time for eating pancakes together, they'll have to settle for a granola bar in the car.

Are they refusing to get dressed? They will have to bring his clothes with him and arrive at school in jammies.

These are not punishments, they are simply things that logically happen when the routine isn't followed.

6. Build in time for togetherness

One reason that children stall in the morning is that they want you to help them because they need that time together. Build in a few minutes of togetherness before asking your child to get themself ready each morning.

It may seem like you don't have 5-10 minutes to spare, but this will likely save you time as your child will have gotten the bonding time they need and be less likely to resist the rest of the morning.

For an older child, encourage them to lay out their own clothes the night before so they won't have to decide when they're still half asleep in the morning.

5. Allow a natural consequence

When the planning and picture charts don't work, try allowing a natural consequence to take place instead of nagging and repeating yourself. It may be a little unpleasant, but it will also be effective, and will likely only need to happen once.

Are they taking too long to get out of bed? There will be no time for eating pancakes together, they'll have to settle for a granola bar in the car.

Are they refusing to get dressed? They will have to bring his clothes with him and arrive at school in jammies.

These are not punishments, they are simply things that logically happen when the routine isn't followed.

6. Build in time for togetherness

One reason that children stall in the morning is that they want you to help them because they need that time together. Build in a few minutes of togetherness before asking your child to get themself ready each morning.

It may seem like you don't have 5-10 minutes to spare, but this will likely save you time as your child will have gotten the bonding time they need and be less likely to resist the rest of the morning.

source: mother.ly

Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for your little one! It can also be a time filled with anxieties and challenges. Here are five ways to make the transition easier on both of you.

1. Keep it positive. When you talk to your child about the upcoming school year and her transition to Kindergarten, be optimistic and positive. When children sense we are anxious, they may become anxious as well. This can be really tough if you’re feeling anxious or worried about her, so it’s important to check in with your own emotions as well, and get support if you need it. Keep in mind that there is no pressure to overhype it, and certainly you should validate your child’s concerns and listen to her fears and worries, but keeping a general sense of optimism will help your child feel more at ease.

2. Get acquainted. If the school does an orientation, that is a great chance for you and your child to go and meet teachers and classmates. If not, it’s a good idea to arrange a tour of a school and a meeting with your child’s teacher. Prepare a one-page cheat sheet about your child for the teacher and include name and nickname, photo, medical conditions, likes and dislikes, interests and talents, etc. This will help the teacher get to know your child and give him or her some conversation starters for building a relationship. If you can arrange for your child to get acquainted with the teacher as well, that’s even better. If he can begin to form a relationship with the teacher before school starts, it will make the separation from you a bit easier. If you can set up a playdate with another child in his class a few times before school starts, having that familiar face in class will be a comfort and help to ease your child’s nerves.

3. Practice. Discuss with your child’s teacher what a typical day will look like and what your child will be doing in the first few weeks of school, and then begin practicing those things over the summer with your child. This will help familiarize your child with the routine and structure of school so that the transition will go a little more smoothly for her. In addition to practicing things like standing in line, sitting still, following directions, etc., it’s a good idea to start practicing social-emotional skills as well. Role play with your child how to introduce herself to others, how to ask to join a group or game, using words to express feelings and wants, sharing, taking turns, and appropriate solutions to conflict. The more you practice, the more confident your child will feel and the better those skills will develop!

4. Find an anchor. Some children can skip off to the classroom without so much as a backward glance, but many children experience separation anxiety. For those children, it’s helpful to find an anchor – something that helps them feel close to you while they’re away. It could be something as simple as a matching necklace, a photo of you, or a note in the lunchbox. It’s a kind of security blanket that your child can take with her every day.

5. Stay attuned. There are sure to be lots of emotional ups and downs as your child transitions into kindergarten, for you and for him! Prepare for a few meltdowns and muster up some extra patience and empathy. As your child processes all of the new experiences, he’s sure to need a safe space to run to. You’ve got this!

source: Rebecca Eanes

Dust in cereal is actually quite easy to get rid of, and so are flies that fly around your food during the summer months. Finding unusual yet helpful tools in ordinary things is always a good idea, especially when it comes to handling certain products so that they keep bringing you tasty joy for longer. These hacks are cheap, uncomplicated, mess-free, and fun!

To enjoy your cherries without pits, use a funnel. Simply put cherries on top of the piece of fruit, push down, and voilà — your treat is ready!

source: brightside