Getting out on a morning without going mad

[mumski]

Has anyone got any fool proof methods? My 2 8 and 9 are increasingly driving me crazy on a morning. I send them to get ready/clean teeth/put their shoes on. I check on them 5 mins later and they are playing with the cats/doing a jigsaw/gazing into space - anything rather than get ready. I'm fedup with starting every day yelling at them. It seems the only way to get them moving, having asked them 500 times with increasing flustration
HELP - I feel a totally c*p mother.

Have you tried bribing them with TV? "When you are all ready - teeth cleaned, shoes on, jackets on, bags packed - you can watch Cbeebies (or whatever it is yours like). The quicker you get ready, the more CBeebies you can watch before school. The longer it takes you, the less TV."

Works for mine.

I vividly remember my mum actually downing tools when my brother and I were continually dawdling and late for school. She sat down and made herself a cup of tea - no shouting or hurrying us. I'm not sure how long it took us to realise what she was doing/not doing but we were definately late for school that day and made to explain to our teachers why. It was really embarrasing and did make us slightly more responsible for our morning routine.

I think northstar's approach is perfect .. you should do that .. but make it clear to them before you boil the kettle .. ie when you first get up say 'you're old enough now, if YOU are late for YOUR school, YOU will have to suffer the consequences'

That is a good idea, and at 8 and 9 they're definitely old enough to understand the concept, as long as you explain to them beforehand what you plan to do.

My friend's sister once went to school with her slippers on, because she'd forgotten to change them. When they got to the school gate, she realised, but their mother was adamant that tough, she'd just have to wear them to school.

After that, she never forgot her shoes again!

It's the same in our house, then when I am driving out of school I feel just terrible and guilty having to send them to school each day like this. I try getting up earlier, doesn't help, what our neighbours think I don't know!!

judging by the age of your two eldest ones, mumski, I guess it doesn't get any better!!

Thanks for the advice everyone. Caligula, I tried your idea this morning and it worked really well. I gave them a list of the things they need to do before telly time and they actually enjoyed it!!!: ). Is my life about to be transformed? I hope so...:0

Hurray! Glad to be of help!