Ask Margaret: My Kid Is Super Slow in the Mornings
b'How do you let your child experience natural consequences for their slowpoke actions\\u2014without going insane yourself?\\nListener Katie asks:\\n"My 11-year-old has trouble meeting deadlines we set for her (running to catch the bus, not getting to bed by her bedtime). When my husband and I try to help her stay on track she talks back or purposefully stalls more! I don\\u2019t know how to not get triggered by that. It makes me angry which doesn\\u2019t help. Any suggestions? Either for staying calm or what to try with her? \\nWe rely more on consequences than positive reinforcement. I would love my husband to be more of a positive presence in the morning, which might improve things. I\\u2019m only partially around for mornings (which doesn\\u2019t help). Thanks for at least letting me rant!"\\nMargaret has been here herself. She coordinated with her child\'s school and asked them to issue the appropriate disciplines for lateness to her child on days her child was late, removing herself from being responsible for the consequences.\\nIt\'s important to remember that children aren\'t just fed by positive attention; negative attention gets them going just as much. Eleven-year-olds typically begin testing boundaries and asserting their independence, since they have no real power of their own at that age.\\nTry telling your child that they are in charge of their own routines, as well as all consequences for being late. Ask them what they might need from you to make the routine a success\\u2014a wake-up call, packing a lunch, whatever the thing may be\\u2014and then try to leave them to their own devices. Eventually, they will realize you are serious about their making their own trains run on time.\\n\\n\\nSpecial thanks to our sponsor, Pampers: \\nFor trusted protection, choose Pampers, the #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand. Download the Pampers Club App today to start earning free diapers.\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'