Prodding a Plodder

Q: My second grader often misses the school bus because she’s not ready in time. Sometimes, it’s because she got up later than usual, while other times, it’s because she’s piddled around eating breakfast, getting dressed, etc. It doesn’t matter if she has her school things together the night before or not—she still procrastinates even with her clothes laid out already. Any ideas on how I can get her moving more in the mornings?

A: Some kids seem to fiddle around more than others, especially when it comes to getting ready. However, there is a fairly easy solution to this very common problem. Applied with consistency, it’s almost guaranteed to work (remembering that when children are involved, nothing can be 100% foolproof).

Before bed, tell your daughter that tomorrow morning will be a new routine, one that you’re sure she’s going to embrace. Show her a kitchen timer, preferably one that rings really loud (as opposed to a digital one), telling her that she will have 10 minutes to get dressed, brush her teeth and hair, and have her school bag and coat ready for the bus.

Ten minutes is plenty of time for a second grader to accomplish those things. In the morning after breakfast, remind her of the time limit, set the timer, and then ignore her. This is very important—do not say a peep about the timer running out. Simply go about your day as if she’s obeying you even if you know for a fact that she isn’t. When the timer dings, walk into her room and assess the situation. If she’s dressed, but hasn’t brushed her teeth or hair, then merely tell her to that. If she’s completely ready, nod and smile, but don’t overly praise.

Chances are, she won’t be ready within the time limit. In that case, say nothing about it and put her on the school bus. However, after she arrives home from school and starts to talk about playing with her friends outside or doing something else, sigh and say you wish she could, but she’ll be in her room for the rest of the day and to bed directly after supper, lights out.

When she asks why, remind her of what happened in the morning. Then follow through on the punishment. She’ll catch on soon enough, and you will probably be able to dispense with the timer after a few weeks.

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