[blparent] Request for ideas to help young kids to get ready for school on time

[Melissa Ann Riccobono]

One thing which works for us sometimes is to turn on some favorite music and
tell our kids, (particularly our five year old as she tends to dawdle) that
they have until a particular song is over, or a certain number of songs are
over, to do a particular task. This often works for us, and has the added
benefit of getting everyone in a musical and cheerful mood in the morning.
Melissa

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jennifer
Bose via blparent
Sent: Saturday, September 05, 2015 12:14 PM
To: blparent
Cc: Jennifer Bose
Subject: [blparent] Request for ideas to help young kids to get ready for
school on time

Hi, fellow blind parents. I hope my message finds you all well.

We have two wonderful daughters, and the oldest one has just started
kindergarten this week. As is the case for so many families, we have a lot
to do in the morning. I typically get up somewhat earlier than the kids,
which I enjoy doing and which cuts down on the craziness somewhat, allowing
me time to get myself organized before I wake them up. My husband is not as
much of a morning person, but helps out particularly well with giving the
girls breakfast. He travels quite a bit for work, though. I'm writing to you
all because I wonder if any of you have come across fun, engaging ways to
prompt your kids to notice that time is ticking away and they need to focus
on getting ready for school. We already do some organizing the night before,
which is helpful. I'm wondering if there are other things that could go
along with my verbal prompts and the direct help I give them with getting
dressed and brushing their teeth and hair, etc. Like all kids, they get
distracted and playful, and I appreciate that. Maybe you know of a good
clock or timer or something else that could be an additional audiovisual aid
that could help me keep them on task.

I have set my iPhone timer for 15 minutes while the girls and I raced
around, cleaning up their toys in the living room, and that has been a
successful technique, more fun than yelling at them to clean up. I'm just
thinking of something along similar lines to help me and my husband prompt
them positively in the morning, rather than turn into frantic parents who
resort to threats and orders. Please let me know your suggestions.

Thanks for your continued collective wisdom, everyone.

Jen

--
For a clear communication of your message, contact:
Jennifer Bose, voice talent.
Come on over for a listen at
http://www.myvodemo.com/such/index.cfm?world=8827

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