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Morning Madness?

Organizing Your Morning Routine

By Alina Kelly

"Planning is the key factor," says Cynthia Kennedy Reedy, a professor and expert in child development and family relations at Arcadia University in suburban Philadelphia, Pa. "Lunches should be made the evening before, with the child assisting in this process. Clothing should be discussed with two outfits as possibilities laid out for the next day."

Allowing children to choose their own clothes can be a challenge for some parents who have a keen sense of style. "No teacher, principal or other child will pass judgment if your child shows up at school in plaids and stripes that don't match," says Polland. "It doesn't matter."

Reedy stresses that autonomy is a huge issue for school-age children, and it is important to give children the opportunity to make choices. Polland agrees, pointing out that giving children a sense of autonomy increases how capable they feel in their daily lives.

Gina Emacs, a mother of four from Long Island, N.Y., knows all about planning and being organized. "Their outfits must be picked out the night before, including socks," says Emacs. "Their shoes have to be paired up in the foyer or else we spend all morning trying to find out where a child left a sneaker." Emacs checks the children's backpacks to ensure they have all their school supplies, instruments, lunch money, snacks and homework, but allows them to choose which jacket to wear.

Getting kids motivated in the morning can be harder than algebra. "The most challenging thing in the mornings is getting the kids to move," says Emacs. "They usually sit there half awake while I run around getting things for them."

Want to see more?

• Join the discussion on our Family.com community!
• The Many Faces of Mom
• The Morning Routine: Or the Morning Circus Act?
• Guess What Worked for Me? Tips for Bedtime Battles to Picture Taking from Seasoned Parents

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