It's the back-to-school scene that every parent dreads.
The alarm goes off, and the kids won't get out of bed. Once they finally emerge from the covers, they can't find anything to wear, they don't know where their homework is and they knock the milk over in a rush to eat their cereal as they go out the door.
Getting ready for school can be a major source of stress in a family. During the first weeks of school, remember to simplify life as much as possible. Avoid becoming overly involved in any major activities. Keep meals as simple as possible and try to stick to a regular schedule.
Some of the following strategies may help your family get off to a smooth start each morning:
Avoid "morning crisis syndrome" by establishing a nightly routine of selecting clothing to be worn the next day and placing all clothes and shoes out where the child can easily find them the next morning.
Sometimes children will change their minds the next morning at the last minute. Establish a family rule that there can be no last-minute changes. They can wear the desired article of clothing the next day.
School bags (containing completed homework), lunch money, keys and other necessities should be placed in a spot by the front door.
Keep things humorous. A funny cartoon taped to the children's bathroom mirror often helps start things off on a positive note.
Eating a good breakfast helps establish a routine. Studies have also shown that children do better in school and perform better on tests when they start the day with breakfast.
Set out the cereal bowls, cereal and spoons the night before. The next morning, put milk in a small pitcher so the children can pour their own.
Some parents find it helpful to stick a wipe board on the side of the refrigerator and write the breakfast choices of the day. It allows children to make some choices and reduces quarrels over deciding what to eat.
Set firm morning television rules such as not until everyone is dressed, not until breakfast is eaten or not at all.
Build in special goodbye time for your kids. Review with the children the upcoming events of their day and discuss any special after-school activities.
Prepare for those last minute emergencies by keeping a box of supplies in the kitchen or car. The box should contain pencils, paper, snacks, change, a hairbrush, ponytail holders, etc.
The end of the day can also be stressful for working parents. Here are some tips to make a smooth transition form work, day care or school to home life:
Keep snacks in the car so children can ease their hunger on the way home.
Play music you all enjoy during the ride home.
Unwind with your children -- flip through the mail while your children read or start homework.
Listen to your phone messages, but try not to return calls during the first hour you are home.
Do chores together like emptying lunch boxes and unloading the dishwasher.
Encourage your children to talk about their day.
If your children come home to a baby sitter or go to after-school care, encourage the caregiver to follow the same routine that you have established for doing homework. If your older children are home alone after school, you can establish a routine whereby they call you at a specific time each day. Children should also have access to the name and phone number of a neighbor who is usually at home for emergencies, as well as a list of emergency phone numbers near the phone.
Sharon Treen is the family and consumer sciences agent with the University of Florida extension service in St. Johns County. E-mail address: Streen@mail.ifas.ufl.edu.