Exasperated by the same old morning push-back? Positive solutions for three typical kid behaviors.

Giving you a hard time. When this happens, it may be a sign that your child is having a hard time, too. Your best bet is to recognize his feelings and tell him that although you guys have to get ready to go right now, you’d like to talk it through tonight so he doesn’t feel this way tomorrow. Dawdling. If you push your child too hard, she may stall even more. Instead, try to connect and offer encouraging words like “I think you need a super-duper hug to give you some energy this morning!” Refusing to get dressed. Try to trigger autonomy by saying something like “You can’t put your jacket on by yourself, can you? Wow, really? Look at you!”

Source: Laura Markham, PhD, of Aha! Parenting (ahaparenting.com)

Readers On Rewarding Good Behavior
If the kids get up without whining and brush their teeth, get dressed and do everything according to schedule, I let them listen to their favorite music while eating breakfast—and have a quick dance party—or turn on their radio station pick while driving to school.
—Carissa Tack

My son is not a morning person. So when he is not Mr. Cranky Pants when he wakes up, he gets a cuddle session with me and then peanut butter on toast in bed for breakfast.—Jackie Pendleton

I reward my child with extra hugs and silliness! And I tell him how much I appreciate him getting ready so quickly. I want him to be proud of himself as well.
—Maris McFadden

My daughters can sometimes enter into sibling rivalry mode in the morning, which drives me crazy. But if they show good behavior, I let each of them pick a treat to bring to school that they can have during lunchtime.
—Melanie Moralez

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