Mornings can feel like a mini-marathon before 8 a.m.—complete with wardrobe malfunctions, forgotten lunches, and the never-ending hunt for one missing shoe. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Jim Taylor, PhD, author of Positive Pushing: How to Raise a Successful and Happy Child totally gets it. He explains how to get your kid out the door in the morning without losing your mind and minimize the meltdowns—from your kids and you.
Mornings with kids are total chaos. What’s the biggest mistake parents make?
One major mistake is underestimating how long it takes kids to get ready. For many parents, mornings feel like a high-stakes race against the clock. They often cut it too close and end up rushing, which leads to stress for everyone. The key is to plan backward from the time you need to leave and build in extra time—at least 15 minutes more than you think you need.
What role does each child’s personality play in morning routines?
It’s huge. Some kids bounce out of bed; others need a few quiet minutes to wake up. Know your child. If one needs a gentle start, build that into the schedule. Recognizing that can prevent so many battles.
You mentioned laying out clothes the night before. Does that really help?
Absolutely. It’s one less decision in the morning. We even have a helpful rule: no outfit changes in the morning—what’s picked the night before is what you wear. That cuts down on indecision and morning battles.
How important is it for parents to be ready before waking up the kids?
Crucial. If a parent is getting ready while also managing the kids, it splits their focus. We recommend parents (especially those heading to work) get completely ready first—showered, dressed, packed—and then turn full attention to the kids. It makes everything smoother.
How do you keep kids from getting distracted during the morning rush?
Eliminate distractions. No TV, no video games, nothing that pulls them off-task. And use simple catchphrases like “First things first” or “Job before fun.” It takes repetition, but it eventually clicks.
But what if kids just don’t listen?
Kids aren’t always being disrespectful—they’re just focused elsewhere. We say, “Look me in the eye” before giving instructions. That physical cue gets their attention better than just repeating yourself.
What about parents who try these ideas for a week and give up?
Stick with it. Research shows it can take dozens or even hundreds of repetitions to form new habits—especially for kids. You need many consistent mornings. Especially with kids who aren’t naturally structured, persistence is key.
Any final morning hacks to help get your kid out the door in the morning that can make a big difference?
Yes—don’t let kids go back upstairs after breakfast. That’s a trap. Keep everything moving forward. For example, bring toothbrushes down to the kitchen. It sounds small, but avoiding that backward motion prevents distractions and delays.
How do you get your kids on board with morning routines?
Involve them. Write the routine down. Talk through it with them. Revisit it often—daily at first. It’s about keeping it in their heads and yours. With time, it becomes second nature.