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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

What about a morning routine?

5 replies

HeyLollyLolly · 17/07/2012 23:22

Since my DS was a few weeks old we've had a pretty solid bedtime routine which for the most part has worked well for us. At times I've considered / tried implementing a morning routine which (in theory) involves me getting up and organised a wee bit ahead of her, then waking her at a consistent time and getting her fed washed, dressed etc in a reasonably consistent fashion. I've never properly done this though for various reasons - mainly because I'm not a morning person and she often wakes much earlier than I'd like or could cope with getting up before her. Generally if there's a chance she'll sleep on longer, we let her lie as long as possible. But she's 2.5 and mornings are a real dither. Regardless of when we get up we often end up pottering around too long while I slowlt wind myself up for the day. In the meantime she's a faff with her breakfast, and fights me over every little step of getting washed, dressed, fed etc. It's driving me nuts!

I went back to work for a few months during which hubby did the mornings. He still had battles with her but things seemed to run more smoothly overall as he had a routine with her.

So thinking I now need to do same. Just loathe to get up any earlier than I have to. For those who have done it, does a consistent wake up time matter, or is it more about what you do once you're up? Do you find it reduces battles over the little tasks of the day they don't want to do and would rather play? Any words of encouragement appreciated!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
brettgirl2 · 18/07/2012 07:48

I recommend getting a gro clock and starting the day by insisting she stays in bed until a set time. It works for us - dd sometimes gets up to go to the toilet but knows she must then go back to bed.

Zimbah · 18/07/2012 13:30

Depends what time your DD gets up, and when you like to get up. I have never woken up before the DC, apart from when I was working because I needed an extra 30 mins in the morning. I too am loathe to get up any earlier than necessary! I agree with the Gro clock suggestion - we started using one when DD1 was about 2.5 I think, because she was getting up at 6/6.30 and being really grumpy. We set it to 7.15, if she wakes up before then (which she almost always does) she has to stay in her room and play quietly. It means I have some time downstairs with DD2 (who wakes around 6) to drink several cups of tea, get out the breakfast things etc.

How our routine goes then depends on whether it's a nursery day or not, but I did go through a phase of insisting she got dressed before breakfast as it meant there wasn't a battle later, and that worked quite well.

naturalbaby · 19/07/2012 00:25

I get up when my dc's do - pretty much always before 7am! Until ds1 started nursery I have a vague routine as I like to go out most mornings to get an activity done before afternoon naps.

We go straight down for breakfast then I potter about tidying or doing a bit of housework while they play, then I get them washed and dressed so we can go out or do an activity, or sit down and have another coffee!

AblativeAbsolute · 19/07/2012 00:34

I'm also thinking along these lines, as DS1 is starting school in September and we need to leave the house about 30 mins earlier than we manage at the moment! I already insist on getting dressed before breakfast, but they're still quite capable of dithering for an hour or more before breakfast. At the moment they play in our room while I get dressed, so I currently have a double battle, first of getting them downstairs from our room to theirs, and then getting them dressed and downstairs again for breakfast. My new plan is that I will get up and dressed on my own at 6.30, so that I'm ready to go down to them when the groclock 'goes off' at 7am. (I also recommend groclocks - they're fab.)

HeyLollyLolly · 19/07/2012 21:20

Awww thanks ladies. Was worried I'd get loads of 'well of course' comments from the super organised mums. Glad it's not just me! Been thinking about the day & night clock. Will defo try it out.

Been following a routine for the last couple days - main premise is no toys or TV til fed, washed & dressed. She doesnt like it but has responded well and our battles have significantly reduced. Was all going splendidly til she got too engrossed in Peppa Pig this morning and pooed her pants (she's been potty trained for 6 months)!!!! Had to start all over again! Oh the joys!

Another battle area was her ignoring me when I talk to her, particularly if I ask her to do something. Wasn't sure if it was toddler selective hearing, disobedience or distraction. But have tried something new that seems to be working. If she doesnt respond to me first time I get down on her level and get her to make eye contact with me then I repeat what I'd been saying. Can take a few goes but getting a much better response rate, obedience and compliance as a result. Simple and probably obvious, but seems to be effective! Definitely happier days so far!

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