Start a consistent daily schedule a few days in advance if possible. Preparing your children ahead of time and letting them know what is expected of them will make it easier when the big day arrives. Having a predictable and consistent daily schedule builds confidence in a child, decreases anxiety, and encourages cooperation. When a child can anticipate future events, it increases his sense of control and independence.

Using a visual schedule is a great way to demonstrate to a child what is expected of him.  Prepare the chart together with your child using pictures or drawings of familiar activities such as going to the potty, brushing teeth, getting dressed, eating breakfast.

Having a desired activity follow an undesired activity can help avoid power struggles. For example, if your child is allowed to watch TV in the morning, make sure getting dressed and eating breakfast precede the reward.

It is very important to allow time for transitions between activities. Don’t whisk your child away while he/she is playing and shove him into the car. Never interrupt a preferred activity. Give your child a
10 or 15-minute warning that he/she will need to turn off the TV or put his/her toys away and it will be time to leave the house to get into the car.

Build choices into the schedule so you child can feel some control.  For example, allow your child to choose between 2 healthy breakfast options, such as cereal or oatmeal, or wearing the red or the blue shirt.

Wake up 15 minutes earlier so you are not rushed and make sure you have prepared the backpack and anything else that needs to go to school the night before.