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The Organised Mummy
Getting Out the Door in the Mornings
…Still Smiling!
12 July 2012 |
The Organised Mummy
We all know how it is. We rant, rave and lose the plot
making sure everyone has everything…
Yes, it is possible! There is a way to get into your car without blowing a gasket! We all know how it is. We rant, rave and lose the plot making sure everyone has everything – and once belted in, that we actually have everyone! We tell them all the way to school – that it can’t go on like this – something has to change – someone has to get more organized – we all have to get up earlier – I can’t do everything…and on and on. Then we pack them off with a quick kiss and finally we’re alone. Then the guilt sets in! We make promises to ourselves that tomorrow morning will be different. But it isn’t!
Let me introduce to you – the roster chart! You probably need no introduction. Your mum might have made you a job or behaviour chart when you were a child. Or at least you remember them from your school days. As humble and old-fashioned as they may seem, they have become the pride of my parenting life!
Imagine never again reminding this one to brush their teeth, that one to please pack their lunch and the other to turn off that TV and get dressed – NOW! The humble chart will change your life! That’s a money back guarantee promise!
My morning chart consists of a large red piece of cardboard.
It’s called our ‘Get up and Go’ chart…
My morning chart consists of a large red piece of cardboard. It’s called our ‘Get up and Go’ chart. Check out the picture. It’s over 4 years old and is still going! It’s nothing fancy and it hardly took any time. Yet it works a treat! Running down one side I have my children’s names. Across the top I put the different things they need to do to get ready in the mornings. You can tailor-make yours to suit your family. Each child made their own little ‘marker’. I used double sided Velcro, but Blue Tac will do.
As each child completes each task, they move their marker along. When all jobs are done, they put their marker in the car down the bottom (yes, my terrible drawing – that IS a car!). Once they have reached the car, they are allowed to have free time to play until it’s time to leave.
Before you scoff and think, that’s just not me – give it a go! Anything’s got to be better than the way you’re doing things now, right? And believe me, children love it! They thrive on routine and organization. Once they realize they get free play or a little computer time as a reward, they’ll be racing to get ready in the mornings!
Get your kids involved in helping to make the chart. Be as fancy or simple as you like. Make it yours. Own it together! Besides, what can be a better reward than being dropped to school by a smiling mum! It will make for a happy start to the day for all of you.
