February 27, 2011
Questions & Answers
Q: How can I motivate my children to get ready in the morning, or do other tasks when asked?
A: It’s hard to get up in the morning. And for children some days it can be extra challenging. After a long night’s sleep they often wake up hungry and cranky. If you need to get them moving, you want to remember and practice these three simple things.
1. Slow down – You may have an agenda about what needs to happen to get everyone out the door but your children probably do not.The faster you go the more likely they are to dig their heels into the carpet and resist all that you are needing them to do. As one of my teachers says, “If you want to speed up SLOW DOWN.” Whether you are rushing your children along and then getting into power struggles because they don’t want to do what you want them to do OR you are slowing down and becoming present with where everyone is at, either way you are going to spend the time and energy. So, try getting yourself ready before the children get up so that you can be more present and available for them. Which takes us to our next point…
2. Connect – When your children wake up they are often not just physically hungry but also emotionally hungry. They need connection. They need to feel you with them. They need to feel seen
and loved by you, their main person. Think of it as the fuel that will get them going. If they sense that you are loving and appreciating them fully they are more likely to be able to do all the things that have to get done in order to separate from you in the morning. It’s a little investment of time, love and presence that will go a long way both in the short and the long term. And finally…
3. Enjoy – Nothing motivates children more than playfulness. You can’t make everything fun but if you can bring a little more silliness, a little more playfulness, into the mornings it will help things happen in a smoother way. I give you my full permission to play your way thoughout the day! It works and it’s worth it.