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
This morning went much, much smoother.
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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