Every parent knows the struggle of trying to get their child ready and out the door on time. It can be incredibly frustrating and stressful when your child consistently moves at a snail’s pace and seems to take forever to get ready.

Whether it’s getting dressed, brushing their teeth, or packing their backpack, a slow-moving child can throw off your entire morning routine. But fear not! We’ve compiled a list of parenting hacks that are sure to help speed up the process and make getting ready a breeze.

1. Establish a morning routine

One of the most effective ways to help your child become faster at getting ready is by establishing a morning routine.

Create a schedule for them to follow each morning, including specific times for waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and leaving the house. This structured routine will give your child a sense of direction and help them understand what needs to be done and when.

2. Set timers or use countdowns

Children often struggle with time management, so setting timers or using countdowns can be a great way to motivate them to move faster. Use a visual timer or a smartphone app to create a sense of urgency.

For example, you can set a timer for each task, such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, and packing their bag. Encourage your child to complete each task before the timer goes off, turning it into a fun race against the clock.

3. Create a morning checklist

A visual checklist can be a fantastic tool to help your child stay on track and remember what needs to be done. Create a simple poster or laminated card with pictures or words representing each task they need to complete.

Hang it in their room or bathroom, where they can easily refer to it. As your child completes each task, they can check it off the list, providing them with a visual sense of accomplishment.

4. Offer incentives

Children respond well to rewards and incentives. Consider implementing a system where your child can earn small rewards or privileges for being ready on time.

It could be something as simple as extra playtime, choosing what’s for dinner, or having a special treat in their lunchbox. By offering incentives, you are giving your child an extra motivation to move quickly and complete their tasks efficiently.

5. Break tasks into smaller steps

Getting ready may seem like a daunting task for a child, especially if they have difficulty with transitions or have a tendency to get overwhelmed. Help your child by breaking down each task into smaller steps.

For example, instead of saying “Get dressed,” break it down into “Find your clothes, put on your underwear, put on your socks, etc.” This approach can make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming for them.

6. Make it a game

Turning getting ready into a game can make the experience more enjoyable for your child.

Incorporate playful elements like singing silly songs, challenging them to beat their personal record or the timer, or turning tasks into a race against a fictional character or sibling. By making it fun, you will not only encourage your child to move faster but also create positive associations with the morning routine.

7. Use visual prompts

Visual prompts can be a powerful tool to help your child remember what they need to do. Take pictures or draw simple illustrations of each step of the morning routine.

Place these visuals in a visible location, such as on the bathroom mirror or on their bedroom wall. These reminders will serve as cues for your child to keep moving through their routine without constant reminders from you.

8. Be a role model

Children often learn by observing and imitating their parents’ behavior. Use this to your advantage by being a role model of efficiency and timeliness.

Show your child how organized and prepared you are in the morning, and explain the importance of being punctual. When they see your example, they will be more motivated to follow suit and become faster at getting ready themselves.

9. Allow for extra time

While it’s crucial to instill a sense of urgency and efficiency, it’s also important to be realistic and allow for extra time. Children can be easily distracted or may encounter unexpected obstacles during their morning routine.

By factoring in additional time, you decrease the stress and pressure on both yourself and your child. It also gives your child a buffer zone if they do happen to move slower than expected.

10. Remain calm and patient

Lastly, it’s essential to remain calm and patient throughout the process. Getting frustrated or angry will only make your child more resistant and likely to move even slower.

Keep in mind that children naturally have a slower concept of time and may require more guidance and assistance. Offer gentle reminders, praise their progress, and provide assistance when needed, all with a calm and understanding demeanor.