Whatever Works

If you read any advice column in a parenting magazine, inevitably someone writes in wanting help on getting their kids up and out the door on school days. When my kids were little I used to read those columns, chortle and think "Thank goodness I don't have that problem." Truthfully, mornings weren't too bad around our house. Sure we were a little sleepy, but we had time to eat breakfast together and usually reached our destinations on time.

But what my smug self didn't realize is getting up and out with babies is one thing. Getting a 5-year-old and an 8-year-old up and out is something altogether different. And these are boys. I can't wait to see what kind of havoc Abby will create.

Most mornings around our house are like boot camp. Eat your breakfast! Now, now, now! Shoes! Socks! Backpacks! Gear up and fall in! In a way I feel sorry for the boys. I don't think I'd like to start each morning with someone yelling instructions for every single task I needed to accomplish. Pour the water! Add the tea bags! Steep, steep, steep! Enough sugar. Stir!

But seriously, if you do not keep on them every second of every minute, you'll soon find that someone has logged onto the computer or decided to draw a picture of the solar system or visit a neighbor.

We tried a variety of motivators. Setting a kitchen timer, awarding points, seeing who could get ready the fastest or who could sing the silliest get-ready song. We've even taken Jake to school in his pajamas.

But, inadvertently, I have found one thing that motivates Jake to get ready quickly. His hair. Recently he discovered hair gel. And all you have to do is promise to fix his hair as soon as he is dressed. Initially he wanted a faux-hawk. He's moved on to all-over spiky.

I have to admit it looks cute. And if it makes the morning go more smoothly, all the better.

Maybe I'll send my tip to the advice column of a parenting magazine.