We aren’t a family of morning people, mainly because staying up late is fun. This summer we’d usually let the boys stay up until 9:30 or 10pm (okay sometimes even later) with John and I staying up until midnight. Things needed to change with the start of school so I was happy to review some books for the Parent Bloggers Network that dealt with going to bed and getting ready in the morning. Going to bed has never been an issue with any of our kids (probably because John is the one who usually puts the boys to bed), its just a matter of getting them to bed earlier now. However getting up and ready to go somewhere isn’t our thing around here! Its mainly me I suppose but with Ethan (our oldest) starting K and a 4th baby due next month, I’ve got to lead the way and get us all moving smoothly mornings! I am taking any help I can get!

I was surprised to find that Ready For Bed and Ready For The Day were really helpful in reminding ME (and John) how to help make these times of transition go more smoothly for everyone. I had just anticipated them being cute stories to read the kids to prepare them for bed and getting ready in the morning, and they are, but they are also great tools to remind parents of the important role they play in making these times enjoyable instead of dreaded. There is a section in the front of the books telling “grown-ups” about the books color coding: GREEN words validate feelings, BLUE words offer choices and RED words encourage. When I first saw this I thought the book might be talking down to parents but as I read the book I didn’t feel that way at all. I “know” how to be a good mom but I don’t always make the right choices when dealing with my kids and I am not above needing a little guidance sometimes. It was helpful for me to read these books to my kids and see how the parents show their kids they are listening to them, give them options so the kids have a role in the situation and give them acknowledgement for making good choices. It can be really easy to become impatient and get frustrated with your kids when you’re trying to get them to bed or out the door in the morning but these books help parents to set the tone so that these times can be enjoyable. Oh, and I should mention that the kids liked the books too!

Right now I am feeling very proud of myself for getting the kids up and out for school without any problems so far this school year! I just didn’t think we’d have peaceful mornings. I had been stressing about it as the school year approached but I have been patient and also thought of some ways to put fun in our mornings. I have been getting the boys ready first and then letting them ride bikes in the driveway while I finish getting myself and Jamie ready. They have been speedy and I haven’t had to nag them because they know they’ll have time to play if they eat and get dressed when I ask them to. We have been early to school so far and it feels great to enjoy the mornings together and know I’m sending happy kids to school. I am sure that this little honeymoon won’t last forever and when I find myself getting cranky with them and running late I’ll just have to get out these books again to refresh my memory! I really think they are great for preschoolers through kindergarteners and I’m grateful that they came at the perfect time for our family!

John’s Thoughts – I’ve been real happy with our new bedtime and morning routines.  The key is getting us all to bed at a decent hour.  I’ve also given the boys permission to wake me up with an ice cube if they hear my alarm going off and I’m still sleeping.  They LOVED this idea.  No ice cubes yet, but the thought of it has us all jumping out of bed!

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