In the 10 plus years we have been raising children, we have yet to destress the morning routine. After a panicked search for socks and then an 8:15 desperate cry from my son that he needed a lunch packed for the fieldtrip that day (bus leaves from a few blocks away at 8:20) that culminated with me screaming "Shut your mouth and hand me the jelly!!" I instituted a customized evening checklist for each child. Before TV, before playtime, before climbing in bed to read - each of the following questions must be answered in the affirmitive


Yes

Charlie's Checklist


Have we emptied your backpack?


If you have homework tonight, is it done?


Did mama or papa check your homework?


Do you have your homework and communication folders packed in your backpack?


If tomorrow is a library day, do you have your library book packed?


Do you have all your schoolbooks packed?


Is your backpack by the back door?


If you swim tomorrow, do you have swimsuit, clean underwear, clean socks, shampoo, conditioner and a comb packed?


Do you need or want a cold lunch at school?


Are your shoes by the backdoor?


Are you chores done?


Are your things picked up from downstairs?


Did you practice piano?



This morning went much, much smoother.

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