How to get your children up in the morning

Step 1: Check sleeping behaviors

A child who finds it difficult to get up in the morning may be having difficulties falling asleep. Ask your child whether or not they are having any sleeping challenges. Be sure your child avoids caffeine in the evenings.

Step 2: Make sure your child sleeps well

If your child isn't having any sleeping difficulties, perhaps they simply need to sleep more. Everyone is different -- perhaps your child will wake up easier in the morning if you allow for one or two more hours of sleep. Of course, getting your child to sleep earlier could be a hard task in itself!

Step 3: Try different wake up methods

Some children respond well to flashes the lights on and off in their room. Other children need to be shaken while calling their name. Still other children may respond best to an alarm clock that they have to get up and turn off. Find what works best for each of your children.

Step 4: Cook breakfast

While brewing coffee might not urge your children to get out of bed, the aroma of a breakfast might do the trick! Try baking in the morning to fill your home with delicious smells that might naturally draw your children from their rooms.

Step 5: Make it their responsibility

Slowly but surely ween your children from being too dependent on you to wake them up. If you don't take this step, you may be having these difficulties into their college years! This is also a good idea because it helps prepare your child for the real world.

For more tips on making school mornings easier, check this out:
10 Tips for getting kids out the door