Health & Parenting

5 Tips to Get Your Kids Up for School

4. A Little Bribery Never Hurts. continued...

Beyond that, Swanson advises tuning into the things that are really important to your child and using them as leverage. “What is your child’s currency?" Swanson asks. "Video games, his cell phone, shopping? Find a way to give him what he’s after as long as he goes along with the plan.”

What if your child won’t get with the program and won't shut down the technology?

"If your kid refuses to go to bed, you might say something like, ‘I’m really wanting us to get back on track. I’m not looking forward to getting up early either. But I think video games are getting in the way and are amping you up. Do this or lose the game.’”

5. Make Morning Time Work.

Spivack and Swanson both say that clearly establishing expectations for your child is critical.

Lisa Joyner is a television producer and host, as well as a mom of 10-year-old and 11-month-old sons. As the self-described task master in her home, she’s had to search for ways of turning the morning rush into a well-oiled routine. “He really needs structure and to know what is expected of him,” she says of her 10-year-old. “When he’s given the guidelines, he’s good.”

Joyner has made it clear that on school mornings, her stepson has a set of specific tasks to complete. “Once he’s up and makes his bed, has breakfast, and is dressed, he can play video games,” Joyner says.

One thing Joyner does to make it easier on her child is to do some of the morning's work the night before. “We set out his clothes at night so when he wakes up it’s easier for him and he can avoid having to figure out what to wear in the morning,” Joyner says. And don’t forget that positive feedback goes a long way with kids. “He wants to please,” Joyner says. "He knows it brings me such joy when I don’t have to rouse him out of bed for 45 minutes or remind him to do what has to be done.” When he does well, she gives him a high five.

Once your kids successfully make it out the door to school, give yourself a high five, too.