How do I get ready when I have little kids?!

Lavette posted January 21, 2020

Any tips on how to make mornings with little ones less stressful? I just returned to work last month after being a stay-at-home mom for three years, so our 3-year-old started daycare. The shift has been tough on all of us. He’s having tantrums, a hard time with wake-ups, issues with eating his breakfast, you name it.

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Jane posted January 21, 2020

His reaction sounds pretty normal. Returning to work can shake up the family’s schedule at first - it’s often followed by a tough transition period. The only thing you can do is establish a consistent, positive morning routine as soon as possible. Make wake-up time the same each day. A good morning starts with a good bedtime routine - try to do whatever you can the night before and get it out of the way (baths, prepping breakfast and a packed lunch, laying out clothes). This applies to both of you and will make mornings less stressful. You can also try making the morning routine fun! Maybe there’s a song you can sing together in the car on the way to drop-off, or a “special breakfast” you can start making that’s only for big kids who go to daycare. In no time, he’ll develop a more positive association with mornings.

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Roxanne posted January 21, 2020

It sounds like your son could be experiencing a touch of separation anxiety, too, causing him to act out. This is common when starting daycare and spending time apart from parents for the first time. To close out a good morning routine, make your daycare drop-offs short and sweet. Don’t go back in for a second or third goodbye and if he gets upset, let the teacher console him. He needs to build trust with them. He’ll recover a lot faster than you think and this won’t last long - children tend to adapt pretty quickly.

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Vibion posted January 22, 2020

With a consistent bedtime routine and morning routine everything will be fine before you know it. Everything you've mentioned is normal once he sees this is how things are going to be everyday he'll adjust.

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Regina posted January 22, 2020

Morning when my kids we’re little I always got are stuff ready they night before,and in they morning I would get up before my family and get dress first,then prepare lunch and get breakfast started and then dress my kid’s,after everyone is ready I get dinner out,

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Sheila posted January 22, 2020

I agree with everyone suggestions

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Valjean posted January 22, 2020

Begin the day before by getting clothes, backpacks and other things ready. Have your child go to bed at a reasonable time What worked for me when my kids where small was talking about daycare in a positive way during dinner, bath time etc. Having positive talks about school may help. Make it seems like going to daycare is the next best thing like planning a trip to the park. Help your child get excited about going.

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Amanda posted January 22, 2020

Lavette, I'm sorry to hear that the transition has been rough on everyone. This is actually more common than not & you're definitely not alone! I agree with what some of the others have mentioned in regard to a little bit of anxiety coming up for everyone. Something really helpful for me is to really take the time to adhere to familiar parts of the old routine & to ask him to help you make a new routine. Allowing him a little bit of control in a situation that can make him feel out of control & worried can go a long way! Also, something we use with our own son is "First... then..." i.e. First Mommy is going to go to work, but when I pick you up after outside time, THEN we will go home & have our special snack. Always tell him goodbye & reassure him that you will come back. I hope some part of this might resonate with you & I want to applaud you for reaching out for advice. Transitions are often tough, but you're doing the absolute best you can & should feel really good about working to find the right solution for your family. Sending all the peaceful vibes for a smooth new routine... 💖

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Deborah posted February 19, 2020

You must establish a daily schedule this will make your life and the child day go smoother. Get up 30 min earlier have some me time meditate sit still. Take the child to daycare at the same time everyday tell him your leaving say goodbye. The childcare provider if professional will know how to engage this child to make this transition easier

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Channel posted March 24, 2020

The first few days or week will be ROUGH as you’re transitioning into a new routine. Be patient, repetitive and consistent. It may even be hard for you to adjust, so be more empathetic with your three year old who is having a difficult time adjusting it’s okay. After getting used to a routine, he will know exactly what is expected of him and he’ll get the hang of it. Have him help make breakfast (night need an extra five minutes) but children are more likely to eat the food they help prepare or serve on their own. Children also like to have tasks, when you give them a chore, they feel important and included rather than rushed or feel like you’re bidding them around. Even though we know who’s boss! I hope this is helpful and your mornings are better.

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Channel posted March 24, 2020

The first few days or week will be ROUGH as you’re transitioning into a new routine. Be patient, repetitive and consistent. It may even be hard for you to adjust, so be more empathetic with your three year old who is having a difficult time adjusting it’s okay. After getting used to a routine, he will know exactly what is expected of him and he’ll get the hang of it. Have him help make breakfast (you may need an extra five minutes) but children are more likely to eat the food they help prepare or serve on their own. Children also like to have tasks, when you give them a chore, they feel important and included rather than rushed or feel like you’re bossing them around. Even though we know who’s boss! I hope this is helpful and your mornings are better.

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