Getting kids out of bed in the morning, especially on a school day, can be one of the biggest challenges parents face. The battle of wills often leads to arguments and ill feelings, which is no way to start the day. But there are ways to overcome the wake-up struggle, whether it's a little reward for cooperation or more sleep for everyone. Psychologist Ruth Peters, PhD, author of several parenting books and a nationally known speaker, suggests that sometimes negative consequences, such as a loss of TV or computer privileges, can help motivate a child and that a more streamlined morning routine (save breakfast for last after a child is otherwise ready for school) can remove some of the stress a child may anticipate when waking up each morning. Communication between parent and child on the subject is the first place to start.
Incentives
Make a deal with your child that if he cooperates and gets out of bed willingly every morning, on Saturday you'll make chocolate chip pancakes or you'll take the family to a new movie that's opening. While something as basic as getting out bed probably shouldn't need a reward, many child psychologists believe the key is to use a reward to start a positive behavior pattern that after a while won't need a reward because it will be part of the child's basic behavior.
The Right Alarm Clock
Consider buying a clock radio that's also a CD player. Kids can choose what songs they'll awake to each morning. There also alarm clocks that can be set to play songs from an MP3 player, too.
Get More Sleep
The University of Michigan Health System's Guide to Information & Support for Parents notes that most school-age children still need nine to 12 hours of sleep per night and that trouble waking up at the appropriate time is one of the signs of sleep deprivation. The others are trouble staying alert during the day and difficulty falling asleep at night. Though kids may fight it at first, push for an earlier bedtime if getting out of bed is a struggle.
Put Responsibility on the Kids
Sit down and talk with your kids and ask them for ideas on how to resolve the problem. Kids may resist rules that are imposed on them, but may be more inclined to go along with their own suggestions. Maybe the compromise is 10 more minutes of sleep if the child has packed the school backpack and picked out clothes for the next day. Set ground rules and make it clear that getting out of bed is their responsibility and if they're late for school because of it, it's their problem. Behaviorists, such as nationally renowned author and designer of the Total Transformation program James Lehman, say that as long as the parents are taking most of the responsibility and devoting most of the energy to the wake-up process, kids will gladly let them, according to Empowering Parents.
