July 26, 2007

Question: Getting my 4-year-old off to childcare and myself off to work has become a morning nightmare. He doesn't want to get out of bed, resists when I try to dress him and hardly touches his breakfast. What can I do? Once he gets to childcare, he gets along fine with the other kids and seems to like his teacher a lot.

Answer: Trying to get the whole family fed, dressed and out the door can become a major challenge and source of stress for many families with young children. Your son probably finds his cozy bed much more appealing than facing the morning rush hour. And even though he enjoys childcare once he gets there, he may long for more time at home with those who love him best. Nonetheless, there are a few things that might help things go more smoothly for all of you.

• Be sure that your son is getting enough sleep. This may mean gradually moving his bedtime to an earlier hour.
  
  
• Gently acknowledge his feelings of still being sleepy in the morning and wishing that he could have a morning at home. And remind him that when Saturday comes you can have a lazy morning together. Then be sure to follow through. Just knowing that you understand his feelings may make him less resistant.
  
  
• To minimize what you have to do in the morning, do some planning together the night before. For example, have your son choose his clothes and lay them out; pack his backpack for childcare and put it in the car; and plan together what to have for breakfast the next morning and set the table.
  
  
• Create a wake-up ritual with your son, something that makes getting up more fun and a time of special closeness with you. For example, you might read a short story or sing a wake-up song. Although these routines require a little extra time, they often save time in the long run by helping to avoid battles.

Dr. Erickson and her daughter can be heard every Sunday, from 2 - 4 pm, on "Good Enough Moms," on FM107.1 radio in the Twin Cities or via Webcast at www.FM1071.com