Lessons From A Practical Mother - #1

If getting your children out of bed in the morning and ready to leave on time is next to impossible (without constant harassment and reminders), try this:

1.  Tell your children - "No matter what you look like, what you have on, whether you brushed your teeth, brushed your hair, gone to the bathroom, or had breakfast, you WILL be in the car when it leaves at XX:XX." 
[warning]  *Be aware the 'threat' of being left home is sometimes what they want!  Let them know going is not an option - ready or not. 

2.  Be prepared for the slight chance you will show up at school, church, or spend a day running errands with a child that is in Jammies, hasn't brushed their teeth or hair, or hasn't had breakfast. 

3.  If you encounter 'curious' stares or sideways glances from other parents, smile nicely [avoid any smart aleck remarks] and remind yourself this is a lesson that will be paying you back for years to come.

4.  And finally, remember you only have one chance to keep your word on this or they won't take you serious the next time, so be consistent and make it count.  They learn quick, and you probably won't have to do it ever again.

Cheers!  :-)

[disclaimer] These are just the opinions of a practical Mother, and is not intended to replace professional advisement or help.