Fast and Fun Ways to Wake Up Your Kids

Some kids spring out of bed in the morning, ready to leap forth and tackle the day. Others lie limp and unresponsive until you're forced to shove a mirror under their nose to check for breathing.

If your kids are of the former variety, I salute you. Mine are definitely the latter. Oh, I suppose I can't really blame them; genetically, they never stood a chance of being morning people. Mine are the children who burrow beneath the covers, struggling to stretch 'five more minutes' as far as they possibly can.

I sympathize, of course. But for the sake of all concerned, I can't let them go back to sleep indefinitely. I want my kids to seize the day, not snooze it away!

But it's no fun to start your day by yelling at the kids, and it's no fun for them to start their day in tears. Here, then, are some fun and easy tips for getting your little bed-heads out the door with smiles on their faces. (Don't worry. These techniques have been rigorously tested by an actual working mom and her sleepy kids.)

The Wake-Up Call

Tread carefully; we're entering dangerous territory. Your little one might flail angrily. Your adolescent might mumble something you'll (thankfully) not understand. Before you decide how to rouse your kids, you need to consider what motivates them, and what they enjoy.

Younger children respond quickly to fun and silly things. My daughter, the slow-rising six year old, loves to wake up to the sight of Mom doing something goofy. We have created silly dances for every day of the week - with the Friday Dance being, admittedly, much more enthusiastic than the Monday Dance. I enter her room each morning, flip on her light, and ask her if she knows what time it is. Of course she does; it's dancing time! The bed is forgotten as she jumps up to show off her moves.

Gentle tickling has also been used to great success. I've found that armpits and the backs of knees are particularly effective. Don't be surprised if your child tempts fate by pointing out the fact that their pits are unguarded; this is great fun for them. Just be sure to give the child plenty of time to breathe between tickle-attacks.

If your child is hard to amuse in the morning, you can try easing them gently into their day by playing their favorite music or television show. Music gets plenty of people moving in the mornings, and kids of most ages can't resist opening their eyes when they hear a well-loved cartoon character's voice. Give them five or ten minutes to wake up and watch or listen, then let them know it's time to get dressed and go.

Some good-natured children just love to help out. If your kid is especially generous, try asking them to help you with something. Their desire to be helpful will often propel them from the bed. Try asking them to find something you need, or to help you decide what to make for breakfast. If you have pets, and if your child is old enough, you can ask for their help feeding the animals. Make sure you let the child know what a good helper they are, and how important they are to you.

Kids also love a challenge. If they get out of bed, but drag their feet while getting ready, challenge them to show you how fast they can move. Time them. Race against them. The morning preparations will feel like a game, and the child will be happy to prove how fast they are. If they need a little extra motivation, there is no shame in bribery; let them know that a favorite snack or CD is waiting for them in the car.

When I was less than enthusiastic about getting out of bed, my own mother would jump up and down on my mattress until I abandoned ship. While I respect her creativity, I hope that you'll try something a tad more merciful with your own kids. Get them out the door in good spirits, and the rest of the day should be a breeze!