For the mornings that you need to be out the door....do your self a BIG favor and plan ahead. OR for any morning for that matter!!!
After the kiddos are in bed take a few minutes....lay out the clothes, find the shoes etc... coats hats etc...you can even have the bowls on the counter ready for the cereal....
I have found that the children do much better all around when they have been prepared mentally for what's coming.
When a new baby is coming home
Tomorrow is the first dentist appointment/drs appointment
grocery shopping
visiting
someone is coming to visit
etc etc etc
Take numerous opportunities to speak of what's coming ...even up to a few days ahead.
"Lisa guess what's happening tomorrow!!! Nannie and Grampa are coming over to visit. Now in the morning we need to eat our breakfast right up and get dressed quickly as there is alot to do to get ready. Now you're going to help me right...Lets see what could you do? etc"
I might say this up to 6-8 times in a day as I continue to prepare "Lisa" for what to expect. You will find that the kids tend to business so much better.
Even this:
"Now girls...the baby is going to be going into your room at the end of the week. I have set the crib up. Now if she cries I dont want you to do anything. Mom hears her and will take care of it. I might let her cry a little cause Im trying to get her to sleep longer so...just turn over and go back to sleep...Dont worry Mom knows what she's doing and I need you to just sleep till morning...do you understand?"
I will again remind them over and over during the next few days ...even quizzing them..." so christine what are you going to do when susie cries in the nite?"
I use this same technique when trying to teach something or change a behavior. Bedtime routines, naps, getting along, sharing etc... can all be worked into those little brains so that when the time comes they know what to expect and how to respond.
Moms you are doing great! Keep up the good work You are shaping a generation!
Blessings! M
No comments:
Post a Comment