Got Children? Here’s How to Actually Get Out the Door on Time

Sound familiar? Don’t worry you’re not alone. Getting kids ready and out the door on time is no small feat, but with the right strategies, mornings can actually feel a little smoother (and maybe even calmer). Here are some tried-and-true tools to make it happen.

1.Make a visual checklist

Some kids get overwhelmed by instructions, and others simply forget the steps. A checklist makes the routine clear and gives them a sense of accomplishment as they check things off.

Think simple:

Get out of bed

Make the bed

Get dressed

Put dirty clothes in the hamper

Brush teeth

Eat breakfast

You can use a whiteboard, colorful chart, or even pictures for younger kids who can’t read yet. The key is giving them ownership.

2. Set time benchmarks

Kids thrive with structure, and knowing exactly when something needs to happen can help. Work backward from your departure time and set small “mini deadlines.”

Example:

Out of bed by 7:00 a.m.

Bed made by 7:05 a.m.

Fully dressed by 7:10 a.m.

If your child doesn’t tell time yet, try a sand timer or visual timer. When the sand runs out, that task should be done.

3. Praise progress (specifically!)

A simple “Good job!” is nice but being specific makes praise more powerful. Try:

“Awesome work brushing your teeth right on time!”

“You got dressed by 7:10 a.m. high five!”

Pairing words with a smile, a high five, or a thumbs-up (if they don’t like touch) reinforces the positive behavior even more.

4. Try a reward chart

For kids who need an extra boost, a reward chart can be magic. Each completed step earns a sticker or star, which can be traded in for a reward they find motivating.

Rewards don’t have to cost money, let them pick the family movie, choose what’s for dinner, or stay up 10 minutes later.

If they miss a step, keep it neutral:

“You didn’t get dressed by 7:10, so no star today. But I know you’ll try again tomorrow.”

Breaking tasks into smaller steps can also help (e.g., shirt first, then pants, then socks).

5. Stay calm (even when you’re late)

This one’s tough, but so important. Kids pick up on your stress, and frustration can accidentally fuel the very behavior you’re trying to avoid. Save your attention for the wins, not the misses.

Think of your praise as gold: the more you invest it in positive behaviors, the more you’ll see those behaviors grow.

The bottom line

Getting kids out the door on time is never going to be perfect but with a clear routine, a little structure, and a whole lot of encouragement, mornings can get easier. And remember: practice makes progress, not perfection. You’ve got this.